U.S. Approves Largest Arms Sale To Taiwan

Welcome to Sound of Hope News, my name is Daniela Wulinsak. The U.S. government has reproved more than $1.1 billion in arms sales to Taiwan. This has angered the Chinese government, who demanded that the U.S. immediately withdraw the arms sale, or face countermeasures. In response, analysts say this could exacerbate tensions between the U.S. and China. On September 2nd, the U.S. State Department issued a statement stating that the U.S. government approved the sale of 60 Harpoon-2 anti-ship missiles worth $355 million to Taipei, which can sink warships, and 100 interceptors worth $85.6 million. It also included a $665 million contract to maintain radar systems in Taiwan. In response, Laura Rosenberger, the White House Senior Director for China and Taiwan, said this is the Biden administration's largest arms sale to Taiwan to date. The U.S. has assessed Taiwan's defense needs, and anticipates that the Chinese Communist Party will continue to threaten Taiwan, so Taiwan needs these weapons. A State Department spokesperson said the arms sales to Taiwan are consistent with U.S. policy toward Taiwan. Under the Taiwan Relations Act, the United States provides Taiwan with defense articles and services necessary to maintain an adequate self-defense capability. He emphasized that the U.S. urges Beijing to seize its military, diplomatic, and economic pressure on Taiwan, and instead engage in meaningful dialogue. The United States will continue to support a peaceful resolution, which is in the wishes and best interests of the people of Taiwan. Beijing was outraged and claimed the arms deal would jeopardize relations with China. According to AFP, on September 2nd, Liu Pengyu, a spokesperson for the Chinese embassy in Washington D.C., stated that this sent the wrong signal to the separatist forces of Taiwan independence. It seriously jeopardized Sino-U.S. relations and peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait. The Chinese side stated it would take appropriate and necessary countermeasures, according to the development of the situation. Taiwan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement on September 3rd, saying, We welcome the announcement of the $1.106 billion in U.S. arms sales to Taiwan. This demonstrates the Biden administration's commitment to the Taiwan Relations Act and the Six Assurances, enabling Taiwan to maintain a strong self-defense capability in the face of growing regional insecurity.