US Greenlights $360 Million Drone and Missile Sale to Taiwan, Riling China

The United States has given the nod to a potential sale of advanced drones and missiles to Taiwan, valued at an estimated $360 million, the Pentagon's Defense Security Cooperation Agency announced on Tuesday. This move is likely to escalate tensions with China, which has been increasingly flexing its military muscle in the region.

The sale includes Switchblade 300 anti-personnel and anti-armour loitering munitions, as well as ALTIUS 600M-V drones, and related equipment. The Switchblade 300, a small guided missile, can fly around a target area until directed to attack, while the ALTIUS 600M-V drones are designed for surveillance and reconnaissance. The deal is seen as a significant boost to Taiwan's defense capabilities, particularly in the face of China's growing military aggression.

Why it Matters : The sale is significant because it underscores the United States' commitment to providing Taiwan with the means to defend itself, despite the lack of formal diplomatic ties between the two nations. The move is also seen as a response to China's increasing military pressure on Taiwan, including staging war games around the island last month. The sale is likely to be viewed as a provocation by Beijing, which has long claimed Taiwan as its own territory.

Taiwan's defense ministry expressed its gratitude to the US for the sale, highlighting the importance of strengthening the island's defense capabilities in the face of China's military threats. The ministry also called on China to cease its "oppressive military operations" around Taiwan and contribute to regional stability.

The US is bound by law to provide Taiwan with the means to defend itself, a commitment enshrined in the Taiwan Relations Act of 1979. Despite the lack of formal diplomatic ties, the US has maintained a strong unofficial relationship with Taiwan, providing it with military aid and support.

The sale is also seen as a response to Taiwan's repeated complaints of delayed deliveries of military equipment. The island's defense ministry has been pushing for faster delivery of arms sales to counter China's growing military threat.

Key Takeaways :

• The US has approved a potential sale of $360 million worth of drones and missiles to Taiwan, escalating tensions with China.
• The sale includes Switchblade 300 anti-personnel and anti-armour loitering munitions and ALTIUS 600M-V drones, and related equipment.
• The deal is seen as a significant boost to Taiwan's defense capabilities, particularly in the face of China's growing military aggression.
• The US is committed to providing Taiwan with the means to defend itself, despite the lack of formal diplomatic ties between the two nations.
• The sale is likely to be viewed as a provocation by Beijing, which has long claimed Taiwan as its own territory.