While the arms deal is relatively small and does not include weapons the US has not previously supplied to Taiwan, it comes just as Washington and Beijing seek to stabilize growing tensions. China considers the autonomous island of Taiwan a renegade province and does not rule out future annexation.
The weapon package will mainly contain 30 mm ammunition, which can be used against armored vehicles, among other things. In addition, Taiwan will stock up on spare and repair parts for vehicles and weapons. The US State Department stressed in a statement that the deal will not change the military balance in the region.
The US does not recognize Taiwan as an independent state, but is its main arms supplier. During a rare visit to Beijing earlier this month by US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, his host made a strong case not to compromise on Taiwan.
