US approves more arms sales to Taiwan, including missiles for F-16 jets

WASHINGTON - The United States has approved more arms sales to Taiwan, including hundreds of missiles for F-16 fighter jets, another move likely to infuriate Beijing. The State Department said in a statement Wednesday night that it had approved the arms sales, including $619 million worth of missiles for the self-governing island's fleet of F-16 jets and equipment to support those missiles. The new package includes AGM-88 anti-radiation missiles, as well as air-to-air missiles and launchers. Taiwan's defense ministry said in a statement that "the two types of missiles that the United States agreed to sell this time give the air force full combat capability," adding that the new weapons package "also helps us stockpile weapons." and strengthen our defenses." The US continues to sell arms to Taiwan despite protests from China, which has sovereignty over the island. Almost every country in the world, including the United States, recognizes that sovereignty as part of the One China Policy .Beijing frequently sends military planes and ships into the Taiwan Strait to assert its sovereignty over the island. Back in September, US President Joe Biden's administration approved more than $1.1 billion in arms sales to Taipei, the largest during his tenure, including up to 60 anti-ship missiles and up to 100 air-to-air missiles. Tensions between China and the US are au f the highest level in years because of American support for Taiwan, including arms sales and visits by high-ranking politicians. The Wall Street Journal said in a report last week that Washington plans to increase the number of U.S. troops training Taiwanese forces on the self-governing island in the coming months. It's unclear how many additional troops are taking part in the expanded training effort The report came after Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen told a visiting US congressional delegation that the two militaries were "working more closely together" and planning to "intensify military exchanges." Tensions between Washington and Beijing continue to escalate.