The US authorizes $2 billion in military sales, including a cutting-edge missile

US approves $2 billion in arms sales to Taiwan including advanced missile defense system Story by the Associated Press The United States is Taiwan's strongest unofficial ally and its laws bound it to provide Taiwan with the means to defend itself.

 The United States is Taiwan's strongest unofficial ally and its laws bound it to provide Taiwan with the means to defend itself. Stephen Lam/Reuters/File Taipei, Taiwan AP — The United States has approved $2 billion in arms sales to Taiwan, including the first-time delivery to the self-ruled island of an advanced surface-to-air missile defense system, in a move that has drawn China's criticism. Taiwan's presidential office on Saturday thanked Washington for greenlighting the potential arms sales. Under the island's new president, Lai Ching-te, Taiwan has been strengthening defences in response to China's growing military threats against the area it claims.




For the second time since Lai assumed office in May, Beijing surrounded Taiwan with war simulations last week.


As Taiwan's most powerful unofficial friend, the US is required by law to give Taiwan the resources it needs to defend itself.


The cornerstone of preserving regional stability, according to Taiwan's presidential spokesperson Karen Kuo, is bolstering Taiwan's capacity for self-defense.




China denounced the action, claiming it jeopardized peace across the Taiwan Strait, which divides China and Taiwan, damaged US-China relations, and compromised its sovereignty and security interests.


On July 3 2023, during a live shooting exercise in Pingtung County, southern Taiwan, military trucks line up to fire US-made TOW A2 missiles in Pingtung county, southern Taiwan, military vehicles line up to fire US-made TOW A2 missiles on July 3, 2023, as part of a live firing exercise.

A spokesman for the Chinese Foreign Ministry said, "China has lodged serious protests with the US and strongly condemns and firmly opposes this." "We will firmly defend national sovereignty, security, and territorial integrity by taking resolute countermeasures and taking all necessary actions."


According to the US State Department's Bureau of Political-Military Affairs, the possible sales package consists of three National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile Systems (NASAMS) and associated equipment that might be worth up to $1.16 billion.


Radar systems valued at an estimated $828 million are also included.


Battle-tested in Ukraine, the NASAMS system will support and reinforce the Taiwanese army's air defense capabilities, Taiwan's Defense Ministry said.


China's war games last week were aimed at practicing the "sealing off of key ports and key areas" around Taiwan, according to Chinese officials. Taiwan counted a record one-day total of 153 aircraft, 14 navy vessels and 12 Chinese government ships.