US approves $2 billion in arms sales to Taiwan including advanced missile defense system

TAIPEI, Taiwan — The United States has approved a $2 billion arms sale to Taiwan, including the self-governing island’s first delivery of an advanced surface-to-air missile defense system, a move sure to anger China.

Taiwan’s presidential office on Saturday thanked Washington for the green light for the potential arms sale. Under the island’s new president, Lai Ching-te, Taiwan has stepped up defense measures, while China has stepped up its military threats against the area it claims as its own.

Beijing held last week war games around Taiwan for the second time since Lai came to power in May.

The US is Taiwan’s strongest unofficial ally and its laws required Taiwan to provide Taiwan with the means to defend itself.

“Strengthening Taiwan’s self-defense capabilities is the basis for maintaining regional stability,” Taiwan presidential spokesperson Karen Kuo said.

The potential sales package includes three National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile Systems (NASAMS) and related equipment valued at up to $1.16 billion, according to the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Political-Military Affairs.

It also includes radar systems worth an estimated $828 million.

The Chinese government did not immediately comment on the possible arms sales.

The NASAMS system has been put to the test in Ukraine and will help strengthen the Taiwanese military’s air defense capabilities, Taiwan’s Ministry of Defense said.

Last week’s Chinese war games were aimed at practicing “closing down key ports and key areas” around Taiwan, according to Chinese officials. Taiwan saw a record 153 aircraft, 14 naval vessels and 12 Chinese government ships in one day.