The United States approved $2 billion in arms sales to Taiwan. But it’s not the price tag that’s drawing criticism from the island’s nearest neighbor. China objects to arming the island it claims as its own.
Taiwan is a technology and investment powerhouse. Companies like Hon Hai Technology Group and Cathay Financial have headquarters there. Taiwan has self-governed since 1949. But China considers the island its territory. It maintains that it will unify Taiwan with the mainland nation. China’s desire to keep Taiwan under control is a constant threat to safety in the region.
The United States considers Taiwan an important trade partner. According to the U.S. State Department, “the United States does not have diplomatic relations with Taiwan.” Instead, it has “a robust unofficial relationship.”
That relationship is unofficial—and unusual. Since the 1970s, the United States has held the so-called “One China” policy. That means in theory, the United States neither supports Taiwan’s independence nor endorses China’s aggression. In practice, the policy allows the United States to supply “defense articles and services as necessary” so Taiwan can defend itself against China.
The recent offer of arms from the United States to Taiwan includes three National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile Systems and related equipment. It also includes radar systems. Such systems would help strengthen Taiwan’s air defense.
Taiwan thanked Washington for approving the arms sales. The island’s pro-democracy president, Lai Ching-te, is stepping up Taiwan’s defense measures. (See Taiwan Elects Pro-Democracy Leader.)
Taiwan does so as China ramps up military threats. In October, China held exercises known as “war games.” The Chinese military encircled Taiwan for the second time since May. The aim was practicing the “sealing off of key ports and key areas” around Taiwan, according to Chinese officials. Taiwan counted a record one-day total of 153 aircraft, 14 navy vessels, and 12 Chinese government ships surrounding the island.
Chinese officials see the U.S. promise of high-tech defense systems for Taiwan as undermining China’s sovereignty and security. They further claim the deal would harm China’s relations with the United States and threaten peace between China and Taiwan.
“China strongly condemns and firmly opposes this,” a statement by a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson reads. It says China will take “all measures necessary” to defend itself—including what China believes belongs to it.
It may be up to the next U.S. president to deal with the fallout of supplying arms to Taiwan.
Why? China doesn’t recognize Taiwan’s rights to protection or defense and continues to defend its own interests on the island and in the waters nearby.
