Context
The US has announced it will engage in an arms deal with Taiwan. A $5.85 billion arms sale to Taiwan including the upgrading of its 145 F-16 fighter jets is set to be signed between the two countries. The defense package also includes a five year extension of F-16 pilot training at Luke Air Force Base in the United States. Furthermore a retrofit package is included in the deal which includes radars, weapons, and structural upgrades, which total about $5.3 billion. US Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs Kurt Campell told reporters the sale is “a clear demonstration of the commitment of this Administration to sustain and improve Taiwan’s defense capabilities.”
China which considers Taiwan as part of its territory warned the move will hurt Sino-American ties.
