U.S. preparing to sell over $2 billion in weapons to Taiwan, testing China
The United States is preparing to sell Taiwan over $2 billion in weapons and tanks, according to Reuters.
Congress has been sent an informal notice of the proposed sale, the news service reported, citing four people familiar with the negotiations. The sale would include 108 General Dynamics Corp M1A2 Abrams tanks and anti-tank munitions, according to three of Reuters’ sources.
The U.S. is Taiwan’s only arms supplier. The move is likely to exacerbate tensions with China amid an ongoing trade war between China ad the U.S. China considers Taiwan part of the country.
While President Trump has publicly said he remains committed to the longtime “One China” policy, the White House in May endorsed a request from Taiwan to purchase more than 60 F-16 fighter jets.
In May, China was reportedly angered by a meeting between Taiwanese national security chief David Lee and White House national security adviser John Bolton, the first meeting between U.S. and Taiwanese security officials in more than four decades. China has also expressed dismay at increased U.S. naval patrols through the Taiwan Strait in recent months.
https://thehill.com/policy/international/asia-pacific/447147-us-reportedly-pursuing-2-billion-weapon-sale-with-taiwan
