TAIPEI, Taiwan – The United States has approved a $2 billion arms sale to Taiwan, marking a significant enhancement of the islands defense capabilities amid escalating tensions with China.

The approved package includes the delivery of advanced National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile Systems (NASAMS), the first of its kind to be provided to Taiwan.

Beijing has sharply criticized this move, seeing it as a threat to its sovereignty and security interests.

Taiwans presidential office thanked the U.S. on Saturday, October 26, 2024, for greenlighting the sale, describing the acquisition as essential to bolstering the islands self-defense amid rising military threats.

Strengthening Taiwans self-defense capabilities is the foundation for maintaining regional stability, said presidential spokesperson Karen Kuo. Since

President Lai Ching-te took office in May, Taiwan has ramped up its defense strategies in response to Chinas increased military activities around the island, including a recent series of war games that saw Beijings forces encircling Taiwan for the second time.

Chinas Foreign Ministry responded with strong condemnation, stating that the arms sale undermines regional peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait, which separates China from Taiwan.

China strongly condemns and firmly opposes this and has lodged serious protests with the US, read a statement from a Foreign Ministry spokesperson.

We will take resolute countermeasures and take all measures necessary to firmly defend national sovereignty, security and territorial integrity.

The NASAMS system, which has proven effective in Ukraine, is expected to significantly boost Taiwans air defense capabilities.

The package also includes radar systems valued at $828 million, adding critical infrastructure to Taiwans defense arsenal.

Chinas recent military exercises around Taiwan involved a record 153 aircraft, 14 naval vessels, and 12 government ships in a show of force intended to simulate blockading key areas around the island.

The U.S., Taiwans most significant unofficial ally, is legally obligated to provide Taiwan with the means to defend itself.