JAKARTA - The United States Department of State has approved a potential sale of equipment, training and other items to Taiwan to support the Patriot Air Defense System in a deal worth up to $95 million, the Pentagon said Tuesday.
China's self-proclaimed Taiwan has complained of increased military pressure by Beijing to try and force the democratically-ruled island to accept its sovereignty.
The package will cover training, planning, deployment, deployment, operations, maintenance, and upkeep of the Patriot Air Defense System and associated equipment, the Pentagon said in a notice to Congress.
"This proposed sale serves US national, economic, and security interests, by supporting the recipient's ongoing efforts to modernize its armed forces and to maintain a credible defense capability," he said.
"The proposed sale will help maintain a density of missile receivers and ensure readiness for air operations. The receiver will use this capability as a deterrent to regional threats and to strengthen homeland defenses."
The United States is bound by law to provide Taiwan with the means to defend itself, despite no formal diplomatic ties, an outrage that such arms sales in Beijing have always stirred up.
Taiwan's presidential office noted this was the third arms sale announced since President Joe Biden took office, demonstrating the "solid" nature of their relationship.
"Taiwan will continue to demonstrate its determination to defend itself, and continue to deepen cooperative partnerships with the United States and other like-minded countries," spokesman Xavier Chang said in a statement.
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Although approved by the State Department, the notification does not indicate that a contract has been signed, or that negotiations have concluded.
However, Taiwan's Defense Ministry said it expected the deal to "become effective" within a month.
To note, the Pentagon said Raytheon was the prime contractor for the possible sale. The United States is Taiwan's main international arms supplier.
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