World
Amid Tensions With China, Taiwan Set To Receive More Arms, Equipment From United States
Taiwan
The United States has given the green light to a potential $385 million sale of spare parts for F-16 jets and radars to Taiwan, according to the Pentagon.
The announcement came on Friday (29 November), just ahead of Taiwan President Lai Ching-te's crucial Pacific tour.
Under US law, Washington is obligated to support Taiwan, which China claims as its territory, with defensive capabilities despite not having formal diplomatic ties. This stance frequently draws Beijing's ire.
Taiwan, a democratic nation, firmly denies China's sovereignty claims.
China has been stepping up military pressure against Taiwan, including two rounds of war games this year.
Beijing reportedly may hold more military war games during Lai's Pacific trip, which includes stopovers in Hawaii and Guam, a US territory.
The Pentagon's Defense Security Cooperation Agency revealed that the $385 million sales package includes $320 million in spare parts and support for F-16 jets and radar systems.
Earlier last month, the US announced a potential $2 billion arms sale package to Taiwan, including the delivery for the first time to the island of an advanced air defence missile system battle tested in Ukraine.
Taiwanes President Lai is set to depart for Hawaii on Saturday, making an official stopover en route to the Marshall Islands, Tuvalu, and Palau.
These three nations are among the 12 that maintain formal diplomatic ties with Taipei. Guam will also serve as a stopover during his tour.
Both Hawaii and Guam are home to major US military bases.
On Friday, China called on the US to act with "utmost caution" regarding its dealings with Taiwan.
