The U.S. is selling weapons to Taiwan despite China's dissatisfaction

The Pentagon reported that the U.S. State Department approved the sale of weapons in the form of tanks and anti-aircraft missile systems to Taiwan for $2.2 billion, despite Chinese dissatisfaction. The Pentagon reported this, according to lenta.ru, citing REUTERS.

 

The Defense and Security Cooperation Agency said that the U.S. Congress was informed about the possible sale on July 8. The agency believes that the sale of weapons requested by Taiwan will not change the balance of power in the region. The island plans to purchase M1A2 Abrams tanks and Stinger man-portable air defense systems, among others.

 

Taiwanese authorities have already expressed sincere gratitude to the U.S. government for supporting the sale of weapons. The Taiwanese president's press secretary noted that the island will increase its investments in defense and will continue to deepen security cooperation with the United States.

 

At the same time, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Heng Shuang said the sale of weapons to Taiwan was a serious violation of international law. Beijing views such actions as "gross interference in CHINA's domestic affairs, which is detrimental to the country's sovereignty and security interests". Gen stressed that Taiwan is an integral part of China, and the country's authorities have already expressed their dissatisfaction with Washington.

 

The Foreign Ministry spokesman also demanded that the U.S. immediately cancel the planned deal and stop all defense contacts with Taiwan to avoid further damage to U.S.-China ties and peace and stability in the region. Reuters notes that the U.S. side chose a very sensitive time for such a decision against the backdrop of the U.S. and Chinese trade war.

 

In June, it was reported that Taiwan was going to buy 108 M1A2 Abrams tanks, 409 Javelin anti-tank missile complexes (ATCMs) and 1240 TOW anti-tank guided missiles, as well as 250 Stinger MANPADS. China also protested then.

 

The Republic of China in Taiwan is in fact a separate state, which China considers its province. The secession occurred in 1949 after the civil war. Since then, relations between China and Taiwan, which until 1971 represented China at the UN, have been constantly heated.