US Approves $11 Billion Arms Sale to Taiwan

The U.S. government approved the sale of $11 billion worth of military equipment to Taiwan on Wednesday, making it the largest ever arms sale from the U.S. to Taiwan. The package, containing artillery, drone, and missile systems along with military software and helicopter parts, is intentionally designed to give Taiwan the tools it needs to slow down a possible invasion. Guo Jiakun, Spokesperson for the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said the sale “severely undermines peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait.” While we’re on the topic, I wonder if Mr. Jiakun can name anything else that severely undermines peace in the Strait. He went on to accuse the U.S. of “aiding Taiwan independence” by selling weapons, and warned that by doing so America would “only bring fire upon itself.” Taiwan celebrated the move, citing China’s increased activity within Taiwan’s Air Defense Zone (A buffer zone around Taiwan which is monitored for incursions) this year.