U.S. Approves $2 Billion Arms Sale to Taiwan Amid Rising Tensions with China

The U.S. State Department announced on Friday its approval of a $2 billion arms sale package for Taiwan, which includes advanced surface-to-air missile systems and radar. This decision, pending approval from Congress, is expected to escalate tensions with Beijing.

The proposed sale features several anti-aircraft systems, notably the National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System (NASAMS) and a total of 123 missiles valued at approximately $1.16 billion. Additionally, radar systems worth $828 million will be included, with equipment sourced from U.S. Air Force supplies.

Although the United States does not formally recognize Taiwan as a sovereign state, it remains Taipei's principal ally and a significant supplier of military equipment. This relationship is a source of tension for Beijing, which asserts that Taiwan is part of its territory and has consistently called on Washington to cease its military support for the island.

China has frequently condemned international backing for Taiwan, accusing the U.S. of interfering in its domestic affairs. The Chinese military maintains a near-constant presence of fighter jets, drones, and warships around Taiwan, heightening concerns about potential conflict. Beijing has also stated that it will never relinquish the option of using force to achieve unification with Taiwan and has intensified its rhetoric around this issue. Earlier this month, Taiwan reported a record 153 Chinese aircraft detected in a single day.

In September, Beijing imposed sanctions on U.S. defense companies in response to Washington’s prior approval of military equipment sales to Taiwan, illustrating the ongoing friction between the two nations over the Taiwan issue.