U.S.-Taiwan Arms Sale Irks China

The U.S. State Department has defended a proposed deal to sell $6.4 billion in weapons to Taiwan, claiming the exchange would aid “security and stability” between the island and its mainland big brother, China.

China has announced a series of retaliatory moves against the proposed weapons deal—including sanctioning U.S. arms companies—only the latest episode in an increasingly tension-filled relationship between Washington and Beijing in recent years. —JCL

The BBC:

The US has defended a proposed weapons sale to Taiwan following a furious response from China.

The US State Department said on Saturday that the sale contributed to “security and stability” between Taiwan and China, Reuters reported.

Beijing announced a series of moves against the US in retaliation for the proposed $6.4bn (£4bn) sale.

Ties between the two countries are already strained by rows over trade and internet censorship.

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The proposed arms deal includes the sale of 114 Patriot missiles to Taiwan.