Biden Drafts $1.1 Billion Taiwanese Arms Sale, To Ask Congress

United States President Joe Biden plans to ask Congress to approve an estimated $1.1 billion arms sales to the self-ruled island of Taiwan, including 60 anti-ship missiles and 100 air-to-air missiles, according to Politico. The package, still in early stages, reportedly includes 60 AGM-84L Harpoon Block II missiles for $355 million, 100 AIM-9X Block II Sidewinder tactical air-to-air missiles for $85.6m, and $655.4m for a surveillance radar contract extension. The Sidewinder missiles will be used to arm Taipei's US-made F-16 fighter jets. Congress is expected to pass the deal after the Biden administration finalizes the arms sale and submits it to the foreign affairs committees. President Joe Biden's administration and U.S. lawmakers are emphasizing their ongoing support for the government in Taipei, and Reuters reports that there are items in the approval pipeline for Taiwan that could be announced in the coming weeks or months. However, according to sources obtained by Reuters, the support will be to sustain Taiwan's current military systems and fulfill existing orders rather than offer new capabilities which could increase strain with China.