With Chinese acts of provocation on the rise, the Biden Administration announced Friday its intention to sell $1.1 billion in military equipment, including advanced anti-ship missiles, to Taiwan, NBC reports.
The deal include more than 100 Sidewinder air-to-air missiles as well as Harpoon anti-ship missiles that can be launched from a variety of platforms, including coastal defense batteries. The US will also help to finance upgrades and training for Taiwan’s surveillance radar system that provides advanced warning of Chinese military actions.
The Chinese military has conducted a series of aircraft “fly-bys” in which military jets rapidly approach Taiwan airspace before breaking off at the last moment. China has also conducted drone exercises just off Taiwan’s airspace and has ordered its ships to circle the island. The Chinese increase in activity came in response to visits by high level Congressional delegations, including one led by Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, to Taiwan.