U.S. Approves $1.1 Bn Arms Sales To Taiwan, China Fumes

The United States has announced a $1.1 billion arms package for Taiwan, a month after House Speaker Nancy Pelosi visited the country, triggering a massive display of force by China. The package—the largest for Taiwan approved under President Joe Biden’s administration—needs to be ratified by the U.S. Congress but is widely expected to go through as Taiwan enjoys bipartisan support. While the State department claimed the package was “essential for Taiwan’s security”, China said it “severely jeopardizes” China-U.S. relations. “China will resolutely take legitimate and necessary counter-measures,” spokesman for the Chinese embassy in Washington, according to AFP. The sale includes missiles and support for Taiwan’s surveillance radar programme.