Trump approves massive arms package for China’s neighbor

The United States has approved eight new arms packages for Taiwan.

The United States has approved eight new arms packages for Taiwan, worth more than $11 billion, amid tensions with China. The approval of the arms sales on Wednesday (December 17) is expected to further inflame regional tensions.

The arms package approved by the State Department includes more than $4 billion worth of 60 M107A7 self-propelled howitzers and related equipment, 82 M142 Hymers multiple rocket launchers, 420 Army Tactical Missile Systems or ATACMS, more than $1 billion worth of Altius tube-launched loitering drone ammunition, and $353 million worth of TOW missiles.

In addition, the purchase of a "Tactical Mission Network" worth more than $1 billion has been approved, which will provide communications systems, software, equipment and services for military groups.

The Trump administration has also approved $375 million in Javelin missile sales. It also approved $91.4 million in Harpoon missile repair assistance and related equipment, and $96 million in AH-1W Supercobra helicopter parts and repair supplies.

Each potential sale was disclosed separately by the Defense Security Cooperation Agency. Following the announcement, the United States has set a 30-day legal review period before Congress. During that time, it is possible to cancel the sales through a joint resolution. However, Congress has not been able to block any arms sales so far, according to the Congressional Research Service.

Source: Anadolu