The Biden administration approved a $360 million weapons sale to Taiwan on Tuesday, including armed drones and missile equipment, which is expected to provoke condemnation from China. The State Department announced the sale amidst heightened tensions between Washington and Beijing, which claims Taiwan as part of its territory.
The deal includes 291 Altius-600M systems, unmanned aerial vehicles with warheads, and 720 Switchblade drones known as “extended-range loitering munitions.” The State Department stated that the sale supports U.S. national, economic, and security interests by aiding Taiwan’s military modernization and defensive capabilities. It aims to bolster regional political stability, military balance, and economic progress.
Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te expressed gratitude during a Wednesday press conference in Taipei, emphasizing that such arms sales help maintain peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait. He affirmed Taiwan’s commitment to strengthening its national defense through both military purchases and internal efforts.
The U.S. asserted that the weapons transfer would not alter the regional military balance. Although recent months have seen efforts to ease U.S.-China tensions, this arms sale highlights the ongoing complexities in their relationship.
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