US Approves Approximately £8.8B Arms Sale to Taiwan Amid Rising Tensions

The United States has unveiled a substantial arms package for Taiwan, worth roughly £8.8 billion. The plan centers on mobile rocket systems and modern artillery, designed to bolster Taipei's defense in a tense regional backdrop.

Final approval rests with the U.S. Congress, and this would be the second significant sale to Taiwan under the present administration.

Key components of the package

• High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS) and related support estimated at about £3.2 billion.
• Self-propelled howitzers valued at roughly £3.2 billion.
• Additional missiles and equipment totaling around £2.4 billion.

Reactions and context

China condemned the move, saying it undermines its sovereignty and regional security. Taiwan's defence ministry welcomed the package, stating it will help build credible deterrence and accelerate modernization.

Diplomatic backdrop

The United States maintains formal ties with China while remaining Taiwan's main security ally. Washington views arms sales as a long-standing means of supporting Taipei, a stance that triggers strong protests from Beijing, which emphasises the One China principle.

Beijing warned that U.S. efforts to shape the Taiwan Strait could backfire and escalate regional tensions. A foreign ministry spokesperson also argued that Washington seeks to push Taiwan toward independence using force.

Regional implications

Analysts say the package underscores a shift in deterrence dynamics and Taipei's plans to bolster defense spending. Taiwan intends to spend more than 3% of its gross domestic product on defense next year, rising toward 5% by 2030 to sustain deterrence.

In October, President Lai Ching-te outlined plans for a dome-like air defense system to counter hostile actions, signaling a continued focus on layered protection. China has grown more assertive, including large-scale naval drills and cross-border air activity that have unsettled neighbors such as Japan.

Recently, tensions have included near-simultaneous drills near disputed islands and radar-lock incidents involving Chinese and Japanese aircraft, highlighting the fragile security balance in the region.

Expert perspective

Expert analysis: Analysts say the deal signals Washington's enduring commitment to Taiwan's defense, even as it complicates U.S.-China diplomacy. They caution that the package could provoke stronger Chinese responses in the Taiwan Strait.

Bottom line

Overall, the United States appears prepared to advance a major arms sale to Taiwan, underscoring ongoing support for Taipei's security amid rising regional tensions. Taiwan aims to strengthen its deterrence while Beijing vows to defend its territorial claims.

Key insight: The arms package illustrates Washington's readiness to back Taiwan's defense despite Beijing's strong objections. BBC

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