WASHINGTON (AP) — The Obama administration has announced a $1.83 billion arms sale to Taiwan, the first offered by the U.S. to the self-governing island in four years.
China regards Taiwan as part of its territory and has said the sale, which was expected, should be canceled to avoid harming its relations across the Taiwan Strait and between China and the U.S.
The arms package includes two decommissioned U.S. Navy frigates, anti-tank missiles, amphibious assault vehicles, stinger surface-to-air missiles and other equipment.
There’s been mounting bipartisan concern in Congress that Taiwan is inadequately armed to defend itself against an increasingly powerful mainland China.
David McKeeby, a State Department spokesman on political-military affairs, said the package is consistent with U.S. support for Taiwan’s ability to defend itself.
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