Washington: The US has approved a USD 11.1 billion arms sale to Taiwan, marking the largest ever deal to the Chinese island. The US Department of War (Pentagon) stated that the deal serves US national, economic, and security interests by supporting Taiwan's ongoing efforts to modernize its armed forces and maintain "reliable defense capabilities."

According to Qatar News Agency, the Taiwanese Ministry of National Defense revealed that the proposed deal includes eight types of equipment, including HIMARS missile systems, howitzers, Javelin anti-tank missiles, and Altius armed drones, as well as spare parts for other equipment. The ministry considers these weapons "the necessary foundation for maintaining peace and stability in the region."

The ministry explained that the deal is pending for the Congress notification. However, it noted that Taiwan enjoys broad bipartisan support from both the Republican and Democratic parties.

In a related development, Karen Ko, spokesperson for the Taiwanese Presidential Office, stated, "Our country will continue to strengthen defense reforms, enhance the overall defense resilience of society, and demonstrate our resolve to defend ourselves and safeguard peace through strength," while also thanking the United States for its support.

Following the announcement of the arms deal, the Chinese Foreign Ministry expressed its outrage at the US move, saying it "seriously undermines peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait" and demanding an end to such sales. A Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson said, "By aiding Taiwan's independence with weapons, the United States will only bring harm upon itself... Using Taiwan to contain China is doomed to utter failure."

It is worth noting that China rejects any Western interference in the island, which it considers part of its territory, and views relations between Beijing and Taipei as an internal matter.