The United States (US) has approved the potential sale of $1.1bn in weapons to Taiwan.
The move will likely worsen already heightened tensions between Washington and Beijing, reports Aljazeera.
The Pentagon’s announcement comes amid strained relations between the US and China, which has not ruled out the use of force to take control of Taiwan.
Meanwhile, China called on Friday for the US to “immediately revoke” the arms sales.
Pentagon’s Defense Security Cooperation Agency said on Friday that the arms package would include 60 anti-ship missiles, 100 air-to-air missiles and contractor logistics support for a surveillance radar programme.
US news outlet Politico first reported earlier this week on the potential US weapons deal. While Congress can still disapprove the sale, it is unlikely to do so as US lawmakers from both major parties strongly support Taiwan.
A spokesperson for the US Department of State said the package was “essential for Taiwan’s security.”
Bd-pratidin English/Golam Rosul
