3/9/2022–|Last update: 3/9/202203:14 AM (Mecca)
The United States announced on Friday a new arms deal worth $1.1 billion to Taiwan in an attempt to bolster its defenses, amid rising tension with China, which considers the island part of its territory.
This new arms sale comes a month following US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi visited Taiwan, in a move that angered Beijing, which, following the visit, launched the largest military maneuvers in its history around the island.
Beijing has vowed, through a spokesman for its embassy in Washington, to take “counter-measures” if the United States does not abandon the new arms deal.
“China will firmly take countermeasures, both legitimate and necessary, in light of the situation,” spokesman Liu Bingyu said in a statement.
The US administration agreed to this deal with Taipei, which includes 60 Harpoon missiles capable of sinking warships ($355 million), and 100 short-range Sidewinder missiles ($85.6 million) capable of intercepting missiles or drones. And a maintenance contract for the Taiwanese radar system worth 665 million, according to the US State Department.
The ministry spokesman stressed that the sales “serve the economic and national security interests of the United States by supporting Taiwan’s efforts to modernize its armed forces.”
These arms sales are “essential to Taiwan’s security and we will continue to work with the defense industry to support this goal,” he added.
Entering into a conversation
“We call on Beijing to end its military, diplomatic and economic pressure on Taiwan and instead engage in dialogue” with Taipei, he added.
“The United States continues to support the peaceful resolution of the issue, in line with the wishes and interests of the Taiwanese people,” he added.
It is noteworthy that to complete the new deal must obtain congressional approval, which is almost certain because military support for Taiwan enjoys broad support among elected officials of both parties, Republicans and Democrats.
