US President Joe Biden's administration has approved a possible $180 million arms sale to Taiwan amid ongoing tensions between the island and Beijing, the State Department announced Wednesday.

According to CNN, the State Department said the administration has notified Congress of its approval of the potential sale of vehicle-launched anti-tank munition implantation systems and related equipment to the Office of the Economic and Cultural Representative in Taipei — Taiwan's diplomatic post in the United States.

"This proposed sale serves the national, economic, and security interests of the United States by supporting the recipient's continued efforts to modernize its armed forces and maintain a credible defense capability," the statement said. "The proposed sale will help improve the security of the recipient and help maintain political stability, military balance, and economic progress in the region."

CNN pointed out that for a long time, Washington provided arms to the island under the terms of the Taiwan Relations Act, and there is bipartisan support for supplying arms to Taiwan. However, the move is likely to anger Beijing.

In September, Biden approved more than $1.1 billion in arms sales to Taiwan, the largest of his presidency that included up to 60 anti-ship missiles and up to 100 air-to-air missiles.

The sale came shortly after tensions flared up between China and the United States following House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's visit to Taiwan in early August.

In August 2021, the administration floated a $750 arms deal to Taiwan consisting of 40 M109A6 self-propelled howitzer systems and related equipment.

The latest approval comes after Biden signed into law last week a comprehensive new defense bill that included creating a defense modernization program for Taiwan.
Source: The Seventh Day website