US approves $2 billion arms sale to Taiwan, including advanced missile defense system

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

Taiwan’s presidential office on Saturday thanked Washington for allowing potential arms sales. Under the island’s new President Lai Ching-te, Taiwan is beefing up its defenses as China steps up its military threats against the territory it claims as its own.

Last week in Beijing there was war games around Taiwan for the second time since Lai took office in May.

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

“Strengthening Taiwan’s self-defense capabilities is fundamental to maintaining regional stability,” said Taiwanese presidential spokeswoman Karen Guo.

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

This also includes radar systems costing approximately $828 million.

The Chinese government did not immediately comment on the potential arms sale.

The NASAMS system has been combat tested in Ukraine and will help strengthen the air defense capabilities of the Taiwanese army, Taiwan’s Ministry of Defense said.

China’s military exercises last week were aimed at practicing the “closure of key ports and key areas” around Taiwan, Chinese officials said. Taiwan counted a record number of aircraft in one day: 153 aircraft, 14 warships and 12 Chinese government ships.