China vows to take ‘countermeasures’ over US and Taiwan $2bn arms deal
GuardianOct 23
Taiwan: China Sends Warships After US Approves Arms Sale
Above: Vietnamese missile frigate Tran Hung Dao heads to a naval port in the city of Zhanjiang, China on Aug. 7, 2024. Image copyright: Wang Jian/Contributor/Xinhua News Agency via Getty Images
The Facts
On Sunday, Taiwan's defense ministry said that Chinese aircraft and ships conducted combat patrols near the island after the US approved a $2B arms sale package last week to the East Asian country.
The Pentagon said that the package includes the shipment of missile systems and radar systems, which have been battle-tested in Ukraine to maintain "political stability, military balance, and economic progress in the region."
The Spin
Anti-China narrative
The arms sale to Taiwan is crucial for maintaining regional stability and bolstering the island's self-defense capabilities in the face of China's threats. The US is merely fulfilling its legal obligation to support Taiwan's security.
Pro-China narrative
This arms package is a blatant violation of China's sovereignty and a dangerous move that undermines peace and stability in the region. The US is meddling in China's internal affairs, encouraging separatist forces in Taiwan, and not abiding by the one-China policy.
