December 18, 2025, 11:09December 18, 2025, 11:09
The US has approved one of the largest arms packages for Taiwan. The extensive US arms business with the East Asian island state, which is increasingly under military pressure from China, has a volume of 11.1 billion US dollars.
According to a US press release, the package includes, among other things Missile and artillery systems, anti-tank weapons, drones and other military equipment and support services. The US Congress was duly informed.
According to the statement, the arms shipments served U.S. national security and economic interests and supported Taiwan’s efforts to modernize its armed forces and maintain a credible defense capability.
An American Himars during an exercise in Taiwan.Image: keystone
China warns of consequences – thanks from Taiwan
Taiwan’s presidential office thanked the US for its support. They said they would continue to expand their own defense capabilities.
Beijing, however, reacted sharply. A Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman said the planned arms sale seriously violates the one-China principle and undermines peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait. China called on Washington to immediately stop arms deliveries and announced decisive countermeasures.
China counts the island state, which has been governed democratically for decades, as part of its territory and wants to bind Taiwan to itself – if necessary with military means. (rbu/sda/dpa)