The U.S. State Department has approved three possible arms sales to Taiwan, and the Defense Security Cooperation Agency notified Congress on Wednesday (October 21).
One lot of weapons includes 11 M142 High Mobility Rocket Systems (HIMARS) and related equipment, with an estimated value of $436.1 million.
Another lot includes 135 AGM-84H extended range extraterritorial surface attack missiles and associated equipment, estimated to be worth over $1 billion.
The third lot includes six MS-110 reconnaissance pods and related equipment, estimated to be worth $367.2 million.
The DSCA said the proposed arms sale is consistent with U.S. law and policy and supports the recipient’s ongoing efforts to modernize its armed forces and maintain a “credible defense capability,” thereby benefiting U.S. national, economic, and security interests.
Earlier this month, following media revelations of U.S. plans to sell weapons to Taiwan, a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson expressed “resolute opposition,” adding that Beijing “will make justified and necessary responses based on the development of the situation.
The U.S.-Taiwan Business Association issued a statement Wednesday welcoming the three arms sales. President Rupert Hammond-Chambers said, “The quality of the three items notified today clearly reflects the urgency of continued modernization of Taiwan’s military capabilities to counter China’s hegemonic behavior.
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