Taiwan walks away from the US to anger China

The United States has reportedly approved the sale of $619 million worth of missiles used in F-16 fighter jets to Taiwan, which is in a sovereignty conflict with China.

In the statement issued by the US State Department, it was indicated that the sale of 100 AGM-88B HARM type anti-radar missiles and 200 AMRAAM type air-to-air missiles to Taiwan was approved. The statement said the sale, which will cost a total of $619 million, “will enhance Taiwan’s air defense capability, regional security, and joint operations capability with the United States.”

The missiles and equipment used in the US-made F-16 fighter jets are produced by US defense companies Raytheon and Lockheed Martin. The approval of the arms sale is expected to provoke a reaction from China, which sees Taiwan as part of its territory.

China’s Ministry of Commerce had imposed an import and export ban on the two companies due to previous arms sales. (AA)