In a move likely to irk China, the Trump Administration notified Congress Thursday that it intends to sell Taiwan a $1.4 billion arms package, the first such sale under President Donald Trump.
The deal will also include technical support for an early warning radar system.
State Department spokesperson Heather Nauert confirmed the deal during a news conference Thursday, saying « the administration had formally notified Congress of seven proposed defense sales for Taiwan, » adding that the deal was valued at « about $1.42 billion.
The Republican chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, Ed Royce, signaled strong support for the sale, calling it « long overdue » in a statement issued shortly after its announcement.
Congress has 30 days to raise any objections to the deal.
China considers self-governing democratic Taiwan a renegade province and Beijing has not ruled out using military force to bring Taiwan under its rule.
The US does not recognize Taiwan — officially known as the Republic of China — as an independent country, and adheres to the « One China Policy, » which means it does not maintain an official relationship with Taiwan.
Nauert added that there was no change to the « one China » policy. »
« Today’s notifications are consistent with the Taiwan Relations Act, and our support for Taiwan’s ability to maintain a sufficient self-defense capability, » a US official familiar with the sale told CNN.
