Politico: White House intends to seek Congressional approval for $1.1 billion arms sale to Taiwan

A report published this week by Politico claims the Biden administration is gearing up to request Congressional approval for a $1.1 billion arms sale to Taiwan.

According to Politico, Biden is preparing to send over a billion dollars in arms, including various types of missiles, to Taiwan amid heightening tensions between the island nation and China. The arms sale will allegedly include 100 air-to-air missiles and 60 anti-ship missiles as well as surveillance equipment.

“The package, which is still in an early stage, includes 60 AGM-84L Harpoon Block II missiles for $355 million, 100 AIM-9X Block II Sidewinder tactical air-to-air missiles for $85.6 million, and $655.4 million for a surveillance radar contract extension, the people said. The Sidewinder missiles will arm Taipei’s U.S.-made F-16 fighter jets,” wrote Politico.

China has ramped up its military exercises and war games in the region in recent weeks following a controversial visit to Taiwan by US Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi. While the shipment of military equipment to Taiwan during such a tense period with China may appear provocative, sources told Reuters the arms deal will focus “on sustaining Taiwan’s current military systems and fulfilling existing orders – rather than offering new capabilities more likely to inflame already red-hot tensions with China.”

The United States is bound by an agreement to provide Taiwan with the means to protect itself under the Taiwan Relations Act. The United States does not recognize the Chinese government’s claim over Taiwan, and works under the Act to maintain peace in the region while protecting the self-governing status of Taiwan.