US approves $330 million military sale to Taiwan, says Pentagon

Washington: The Trump administration here on Monday confirmed that the US State Department has approved the $330 million military sales to Taiwan. The spare parts for F-16 fighter planes and other military aircraft would be sold to self-ruled Taiwan.

China opposes all U.S. military sales to Taiwan, which China claims it's territory, The recent military sale approval is an irritant in the relations between the world’s two largest superpowers. Taiwan would still need to finalize details of the sale with US companies.

Taiwan split with the mainland in 1949, but China claims it as part of its territory and has threatened to invade if necessary to reunite Taiwan with the mainland.

In a statement the Pentagon’s Defense Security Cooperation Agency said that this proposed sale will contribute to the foreign policy and national security of the United States by helping to improve the security and defensive capability of the recipient, which has been and continues to be an important force for political stability, military balance, and economic progress in the region.

The Asian giant China is deeply suspicious of US intentions toward Taiwan, which is equipped with mostly US-made weaponry and wants Washington to sell it more advanced equipment, including new fighter jets.

"The island would continue to "stay in close communication and cooperation" with Washington for issues including security," said Taiwan’s Presidential Office in a statement while thanking the US for its support.

The $330 million approval covers a request for spare parts for "F-16, C-130, F-5, Indigenous Defense Fighter (IDF), all other aircraft systems and subsystems, and other related elements of logistics and program support," the Pentagon said, adding that it notified Congress of the possible sale.

"The proposed sale is required to maintain Taiwan’s "defensive and aerial fleet," and would not alter the military balance in the region," said Pentagon.