US approves $11bn in arms sales to Taiwan in deal likely to anger China

"Weapons in the proposed sale include 82 High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems, or HIMARS, and 420 Army Tactical Missile Systems, or ATACMS worth more than $4bn defence systems that are similar to what the US had been providing Ukraine to defend against Russian aerial attacks. The deal also includes 60 self-propelled howitzer artillery systems and related equipment worth more than $4bn and drones valued at more than $1bn."

"Other sales in the package include military software valued at more than $1bn, Javelin and TOW missiles worth more than $700m, helicopter spare parts worth $96m and refurbishment kits for Harpoon missiles worth $91m. In a series of separate statements announcing details of the weapons deal, the Pentagon said the sales served US national, economic and security interests by supporting Taiwan's continuing efforts to modernise its armed forces and to maintain a credible defensive capability."

The United States approved $11.1bn in arms sales to Taiwan, one of Washington's largest-ever packages. The package includes 82 HIMARS and 420 ATACMS worth more than $4bn, 60 self-propelled howitzers and related equipment worth over $4bn, drones valued at more than $1bn, and military software exceeding $1bn. Additional items include Javelin and TOW missiles worth over $700m, helicopter spare parts, and Harpoon missile refurbishment kits. The Pentagon said the sales support Taiwan's efforts to modernize armed forces and maintain credible defensive capabilities. Taiwan's defence ministry and presidential office welcomed the sales, and China is expected to object.

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