The US has announced a package of arms sales to Taiwan, worth more than 10
billion US dollars.

The package includes medium-range missiles, howitzers, and drones.

The US State Department announced the sale during a nationally televised
address by President Donald Trump.

The eight agreements in total cover 82 high-mobility artillery rocket systems
and 420 Army Tactical Missile Systems...

similar to what the US had been providing to Ukraine under Biden.

Also included in the package are military software, Javelin and TOW missiles,
spare parts for helicopters, and refurbishment kits for Harpoon missiles.

A separate statement by the state department said that the sales serve the
US' interests by supporting Taiwan's efforts to modernize the military and
maintain defensive capability.

Under federal law, the U.S. is obligated to assist Taiwan with its
self-defense, and this package marks the US' second arms sale to Taiwan
during Trump's second term.

Last week, the Chinese embassy in DC denounced the legislation, saying it
unfairly targeted China as an aggressor.

(AH)