The Trump administration announced a massive proposed arms sale to Taiwan valued at more than $10 billion on Thursday. The deal includes the highly coveted High Mobility Rocket Systems, which would enhance the country's ability to strike long-distance targets in the event of a contingency with China.
U.S. officials framed the package as consistent with long-standing policy under the Taiwan Relations Act, which commits Washington to help Taiwan maintain a sufficient self-defense capability, even as the United States recognizes Beijing diplomatically. In a statement, the State Department said the sales serve "U.S. national, economic, and security interests by supporting the recipient's continuing efforts to modernize its armed forces and to maintain a credible defensive capability."
