US approves $2.2bn Taiwan arms sale despite Chinese ire
A worker washes one of two M1A1 Abrams tanks that are loaded on rail cars at a rail yard on July 2, 2019 in Washington, DC. PHOTO | MARK WILSON | GETTY IMAGES | AFP
What you need to know:
Last month, China's Foreign Ministry had urged the US to halt the sale, calling it an "extremely sensitive and damaging" decision.
The deal is for 108 Abrams tanks, 250 Stinger missiles and related equipment.
The sale of the weapons would not alter the basic military balance in the region, the Pentagon's Defence Security Cooperation Agency said in a statement.
The US State Department has approved a potential arms sales to Taiwan, estimated to be worth $2.2bn (£1.76bn), the Pentagon said.
The deal is for 108 Abrams tanks, 250 Stinger missiles and related equipment.
Last month, China's Foreign Ministry had urged the US to halt the sale, calling it an "extremely sensitive and damaging" decision.
China regards Taiwan as a rebel region to be reunited with the mainland, by force if necessary.
Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang also called for the US to abide by the One China policy — under which the US recognises and has only formal ties with China and not Taiwan.
The sale of the weapons would not alter the basic military balance in the region, the Pentagon's Defence Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) said in a statement.
The DSCA has notified congress of the possible arms sale.
Taiwan's Presidential Office expressed "sincere gratitude" to the US - which is the main arms supplier to Taiwan.
A spokesman for Taiwan's president said in a statement to Reuters news agency that the island would "continue to deepen security ties with the US".
