The Biden administration announced a $2 billion military aid package for Taiwan on Monday, the largest single arms sale to the island in years, amid growing tensions over China's military activities near Taiwan and frequent incursions into Taiwan's air defense identification zone.
The package includes advanced air-to-air missiles, coastal defense systems, and surveillance drones that Taiwanese officials have requested to strengthen their defensive capabilities. The sale represents a significant shift from previous administrations that approved smaller, more incremental packages.
"The United States remains committed to providing Taiwan with the defensive capabilities it needs to maintain a credible deterrent," said State Department spokesperson Vedant Patel. "This sale demonstrates our enduring commitment to Taiwan's self-defense."
China's Foreign Ministry responded sharply, summoning the U.S. ambassador to protest the sale and announcing sanctions on Lockheed Martin and Raytheon, the defense contractors involved in the transaction. "The United States is playing with fire by arming Taiwan," said ministry spokesperson Mao Ning.
Taiwan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed gratitude for the package while emphasizing that the island seeks peaceful stability. "Our defense investments are purely defensive in nature," said ministry spokesperson Jeff Liu. "We seek no conflict but will defend ourselves if necessary."
The sale requires Congressional notification but is not subject to formal approval. Congress has 30 days to review the package before the administration can finalize the transfer.