Global Geopolitical Series: Sino-American relation deteriorates with $2.2 billon arms sale to Taiwan

The Trump administration once again defied diplomatic pressure from China and approved a controversial $2.2 billion arms sale to Taiwan - a move Beijing considers as a serious interference in Chinese domestic matters. Chinese leaders consider Taiwan as an integral part of greater China, just as it does in the case of Hong Kong, the former British Colony.

The U.S. Congress was notified on Monday that the State Department had approved both potential sales, which include 108 M1A2T Abrams tanks, plus related equipment, and some 250 Stinger missiles. The tanks are valued at up to $2 billion while the portable surface-to-air Stinger missiles are estimated to cost up to $223 million. Taiwan has long been requesting arms from the United States, which were broadly kept on hold, as the United States and China were engaged in serious negotiations. However, the United States has toughened both its rhetoric and actions since the negotiations broke down in May 2019. But this is not the first time Taiwan has purchased arms from the United States; over the past 9 years, the U.S. has sold $15 billion worth of arms to Taiwan.

Taiwanese leaders were very happy with the U.S. decision; which they consider as crucial to fend off Chinese aggression and protect its sovereignty.  Taiwan's President Tsai Ing-wen welcomed the news and added that while the weaponry would greatly enhance Taiwan’s land and air capabilities, strengthen military morale, the U.S. decision shows the world U.S. commitment to Taiwan’s defense.

The timing of the decision strongly suggests that the Sino-American working relation hasn’t improved much since the G20 meeting between President Trump and President Xi.