China threatens countermeasures over US arms to Taiwan
The US had previously approved new arms exports to Taiwan worth $1.1 billion amid tensions with China, according to media reports. The package includes 60 Harpoon anti-ship missiles and 100 Sidewinder air-to-air missiles, as well as support for an anti-aircraft radar warning system. The new deliveries are justified by the government of US President Joe Biden with increasing pressure from China on the democratic island republic, with an increased military presence in the air and at sea.
China sees the democratically governed island as part of the People's Republic. Taiwan, on the other hand, sees itself as independent. A visit by the Speaker of the US House of Representatives, Nancy Pelosi, to Taiwan in early August led to serious tensions with China. Beijing began large-scale maneuvers. A sea and air blockade and a possible conquest were practiced. Nevertheless, other delegations with US politicians traveled to Taiwan shortly afterwards. A German delegation also wants to go there this fall.
Source: Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung
Photo: Getty Images.