Taipei has stated that the high-explosive cannon rounds and vehicle parts would be used to face “expanding threats” from China
The Pentagon said on Thursday that the US State Department has approved the sale of up to $440 million in ammunition and military vehicle components to Taiwan.
The decision is the latest in a slew of such steps by Washington in response to rising tensions with China.
According to announcements placed on the website of the US Defense Cooperation Security Agency, the State Department authorized two different arms agreements.
Taiwan will buy 30mm autocannon ammunition, including high-explosive rounds, in the first contract for $332.2 million.
Alliant Techsystems Operations and General Dynamics will carry out the contract.
The second agreement is for $108 million in logistical assistance, with the US supplying replacement and maintenance components for different military vehicles and weapon platforms.
According to the Pentagon, these purchases would aid Taiwan’s “continuing efforts to modernize its armed forces and maintain a credible defensive capability.”
Congress now has one month to debate these sales and propose that they be halted or amended.
This is unlikely to happen, as most Democrats and Republicans back President Joe Biden’s tough position on China.