US to sell $1.8 bn arms to Taiwan

The Obama administration announced on Wednesday a $1.83 billion arms sale to Taiwan, the first offered by the US to the self-governing island in four years. China regards Taiwan as part of its territory and has said the sale, which was expected, should be canceled to avoid harming its relations across the Taiwan Strait and between China and the US. The US maintained there’s no need for it to hurt the relationship, which has also been strained by China’s island-building in the South China Sea and alleged cybertheft. The administration notified Congress that the proposed arms package includes two decommissioned US Navy frigates, anti-tank missiles and amphibious assault vehicles.