Washington has actually gradually increased arms sales to Taiwan over the last few years as part of its efforts to strengthen the island’s defences and counter Beijing’s growing military abilities
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Representational image. Reuters
China swore Sunday (December 1) to take “undaunted countermeasures” in reaction to the United States’ approval of $385 million in arms sales to Taiwan, intensifying stress in between the 2 countries.
China’s foreign ministry called the relocation an infraction of its sovereignty, cautioning it would hurt relations with the United States and advising Washington to stop arms sales to Taiwan.
“The sales seriously weaken China’s sovereignty and security interests, seriously breach global law and send out a seriously incorrect message to ‘Taiwan self-reliance’ separatist forces,” the ministry stated in a declaration. “China will take strong procedures to resolutely counter and securely protect nationwide sovereignty, security and territorial stability.”
The Pentagon’s Defence Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) revealed Friday that the United States State Department had actually authorized Taiwan’s ask for $320 million in extra parts and assistance for its fleet of F-16 fighter jets and radar devices. Furthermore, $65 million in technical assistance for interactions systems was likewise authorized.
The DSCA stated the sale would “enhance the recipient’s capability to satisfy existing and future hazards by keeping the functional preparedness of the recipient’s fleet of F-16 airplane,” and would not modify the military balance in the area. Shipments are anticipated to start next year.
Taiwan’s workplace of President William Lai Ching-te stated the sale marks the 18th U.S. military bundle for the island considering that President Joe Biden took workplace in 2021. The statement accompanied Lai’s departure for check outs to the Marshall Islands, Tuvalu, and Palau, 3 of Taiwan’s diplomatic allies in the Pacific. His journey consists of stopovers in Hawaii and Guam, drawing more condemnation from Beijing.
China’s foreign ministry highly slammed the stopovers and stated it had actually lodged official demonstrations with Washington.
“China resolutely opposes any type