US Approves $2B Taiwan Arms Sale; China Vows 'Countermeasures'

Oct 26, 2024, 12:37 PM

The United States has approved a potential $2 billion arms sale to Taiwan, including advanced missile defense systems such as the National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System (NASAMS), which has been battle-tested in Ukraine. The package comprises $1.16 billion for three NASAMS units, including Sentinel radars and 123 AMRAAM-ER missiles, and $828 million for AN/TPS-77 and AN/TPS-78 radar systems. The sale aims to strengthen Taiwan's defense capabilities amid rising Chinese military pressure, following Chinese war games near the island conducted a week earlier. China's Foreign Ministry has condemned the sale and vowed to take 'countermeasures' to safeguard its sovereignty.