Official statements from the US Department of State, China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, or credible international relations analysts

US Approves $385 Million Arms Sale as Taiwan's President Visits Pacific Allies, Angering China

Nov 30, 2024, 11:27 PM

Taiwan President Lai Ching-te has embarked on his first overseas trip since taking office, undertaking a week-long Pacific tour to strengthen ties with Taiwan's allies—the Marshall Islands, Tuvalu, and Palau. The trip includes stopovers in Hawaii and the US territory of Guam, during which Lai declared that Taiwan is a 'force for global peace and stability.' China has strongly protested Lai's travel plans, accusing the United States of facilitating 'separatist actions' and has warned of potential 'resolute countermeasures,' including possible military exercises in response. Meanwhile, the US State Department has approved a potential arms sale to Taiwan worth $385 million. The package includes $320 million for spare parts and support for F-16 fighter jets and Active Electronically Scanned Array radars, and $65 million for communications equipment. The Pentagon announced the approval ahead of Lai's trip, and deliveries are expected to begin in 2025. Taiwan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs welcomed the arms sale, reaffirming the US government's commitment to Taiwan's defense in line with the Taiwan Relations Act and the Six Assurances. China has condemned the arms sale and Lai's stopovers in the US, urging the United States to 'exercise extreme caution' and cease all forms of official exchanges and military contacts with Taiwan. Beijing has lodged serious protests and warned of 'resolute countermeasures,' emphasizing that Taiwan is the 'core of the core interests' of China and represents the 'first red line' in China-US relations.