The U.S. approved the potential sale of $428 million in aircraft parts to help Taiwan's air force amid rising tensions with China in the Taiwan Strait.
What Happened: Late on Tuesday, the U.S. Defense Department said the parts would support Taiwan’s F-16s, Indigenous Defence Fighter jets and all other aircraft and systems or subsystems made in the U.S.
Though Taiwan's airforce is well-equipped, it’s aging and is strained from repeatedly intercepting Chinese jets operating close to the island — as Xi Jinping's government claims sovereignty over Taipei.
“The proposed sale will contribute to the sustainment of the recipient’s aerial fleet, enhancing its ability to meet current and future threats while providing defensive and transport capabilities critical to regional security,” the U.S. Defense Department said.
This comes a day after the Biden administration proposed selling Taiwan 100 of its most advanced Patriot air-defence missiles along with radar and support equipment. The potential sale of defense equipment is valued at $882 million.
The Taiwanese Defence Ministry thanked the U.S. and said the sale was expected to “take effect” within a month.
It will "help maintain the proper equipment and replenishment of our air force’s fighter jets, meet the needs of defense operations and combat readiness training, and ensure that our traditional combat power will not fall," the Taiwanese Defence Ministry statement said.
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