US approves $95m Patriot weapons support for Taiwan
Al JazeeraPotential sale is the third since Joe Biden became president in January 2021 and is likely to upset China. The US State Department has approved the potential sale to Taiwan of equipment, training and other services worth $95m to support the island’s defence in what would be the third arms package since President Joe Biden took office a year ago. “This proposed sale serves US national, economic, and security interests by supporting the recipient’s continuing efforts to modernize its armed forces and to maintain a credible defensive capability,” it said. Taiwan’s presidential office noted this was the third arms sale announced since President Joe Biden took office and showed the “rock solid” nature of their relationship. With the sale, the US is honouring its commitment to support Taiwan under the Taiwan Relations Act and the “Six Assurances,” Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense said in a statement in which it expressed its “sincere gratitude” for the deal.