U.S. approves $385M arms deal with Taiwan amid war with China

In a bold move that underscores its unwavering support for Taiwan, the United States has greenlit a $385 million arms deal to bolster the island’s defenses in an opposing move against China.

The announcement, made by the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA), comes as Taiwan faces escalating military pressure from China, which has condemned the deal as a provocation.

The package includes $320 million worth of spare parts for Taiwan’s fleet of F-16 fighter jets and radar systems, along with a $65 million deal for tactical communications systems. These upgrades aim to enhance Taiwan’s combat readiness and air defense capabilities, solidifying the U.S.-Taiwan security partnership.

Read More:

China warns its army against online dating

Taiwan’s defense ministry expressed gratitude for the deal, emphasizing its role in countering China’s “grey zone harassment” and ensuring the operational readiness of its air force. This marks the Biden administration’s 18th arms sale to Taiwan—a clear signal of its commitment to the island’s defense amidst China’s aggressive maneuvers, which include frequent airspace violations and naval drills.

While the U.S. maintains no formal ties with Taiwan, this arms package highlights its strategic intent to deter Chinese military dominance in the Indo-Pacific. But with President Lai Ching-te’s scheduled U.S. stopovers and China ramping up its military presence near the island, questions arise:

Is the U.S. drawing a red line in the Taiwan Strait, or is this a calculated step in a larger geopolitical chess game?