The United States has approved the potential sale of $1.1bn in weapons to Taiwan, the Pentagon announced, in a move that will likely worsen already heightened tensions between Washington and Beijing.
\nAccording to international media, the Pentagon\u2019s Defense Security Cooperation Agency said on Friday that the arms package would include 60 anti-ship missiles, 100 air-to-air missiles and contractor logistics support for a surveillance radar programme.
\nUS media reported earlier this week on the potential US weapons deal. While Congress can still disapprove the sale, it is unlikely to do so as US lawmakers from both major parties strongly support Taiwan.
\nA spokesperson for the US Department of State, which approved the sale, said the package was \u201cessential for Taiwan\u2019s security\u201d.
\n\u201cThese proposed sales are routine cases to support Taiwan\u2019s continuing efforts to modernise its armed forces and to maintain a credible defensive capability,\u201d the spokesperson said.
\nThe Pentagon\u2019s announcement comes amid strained relations between the US and China, which has not ruled out the use of force to take control of Taiwan, a self-governed island that China views as part of its territory.
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