U.S. approves $108 million weapons deal with Taiwan, annoying China

The White House approved the potential sale of military equipment and technical support to Taiwan on Friday worth an estimated $108 million, drawing the ire of neighboring China.

The Pentagon’s Defense Security Cooperation Agency that Taipei had requested the order, which includes unclassified spare and repair parts and assembly for tanks and combat vehicles and logistical and program support from the U.S. government and its contractors, according to a statement.

“This proposed sale serves U.S. national, economic, and security interests by supporting the recipient’s continuing efforts to modernize its armed forces and to maintain a credible defensive capability,” the agency said.

“The proposed sale will help improve the security of the recipient and assist in maintaining political stability, military balance, economic and progress in the region.”

On Monday, the Chinese Ministry of National Defense demanded the U.S. immediate cancel the arms sale to Taiwan, reports Reuters.

The deal marks the fourth arms sale Washington has authorized for Taipei this year, reports the Taipei Times.

The democratic island has been on edge since Russian President Vladimir Putin invaded Ukraine, as China considers Taiwan part of its territory and has not ruled out retaking it by force.

President Joe Biden said in May that the U.S. would be willing to use force to defend Taiwan in case its much large communist neighbor becomes aggressive. A White House official later walked back the remark.

But Taiwanese citizens have taken it upon themselves if Americans do not back them up. Courses and resources for civil defense saw a resurgence in interest after the outbreak of the Ukraine war.

Taiwan has had to scramble jets on multiple occasions recently as Chinese military aircraft entered their airspace.