The United States will sell $619 million worth of F-16 fighter jet ammunition to Taiwan. The Pentagon made the announcement on Wednesday.
The package of arms sales includes 100 AGM-88B High Speed Antiradiation Missiles (HARMs), 200 AIM-120C-8 Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missiles (AMRAAMs), training launchers and dummy missiles, the Pentagon said in a statement.
The Pentagon said the weaponry would enhance Taiwan’s airspace defense, regional security and Taiwan’s military capabilities to cooperate with the United States.
US is irked by China’s help to Russia on Ukraine war issue. It has also expressed doubts that China might be selling weaponry to Russia to be used in Russia-Ukraine war.
Taiwan has been a bone of contention between US and China for a long time.
The Taiwan dispute has become a major cause of contention between the United States and China. It is a complicated topic with no simple solutions, and neither side is likely to back down very soon. The United States is devoted to Taiwan’s democracy and security, whereas China is determined to prevent Taiwan from declaring independence. When emotions mount, it is critical that both parties engage in open and honest discussion to avoid the situation from developing into a full-fledged confrontation.
The Taiwan conflict is not simply a political one, but also an economic one. Taiwan is a significant producer of computer chips and other high-tech items used by numerous sectors, including the United States military. The trade war between the United States and China has exacerbated the Taiwan problem.
Former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo declared that the United States supports Taiwan’s “international space” in response to China’s hostility towards Taiwan. This policy has been maintained by the Biden administration, with President Biden declaring that the United States is dedicated to “ensuring peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait.”
China has reacted to the United States’ activities by accusing it of interfering in its domestic affairs and breaching its sovereignty. Officials in China have cautioned the United States to remain out of the Taiwan dispute and to respect China’s basic interests.
