China Stumped as U.S. Approves $11 Billion Single Biggest Arms Transfer to Taiwan

Even as China threatens “reunification” with Taiwan by force, the U.S. state department  approved arms transfers worth a staggering  $11 billion to help the tiny Island nation resist an invasion from the mainland.

Included in the approvals sent in a notification by the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) to the U.S. Congress are  M107A7 Self-Propelled Howitzers, HIMARS rocket systems, Wire-guided and Javelin missile systems and ALTIUS loitering munitions.

These equipment are meant to be used by the Taiwanese infantry to stave off a possible invasion that Beijing has been threatening for years. The Chinese military regularly holds exercises simulating an assault on the island.

“The proposed sale will improve the recipient’s ability to meet current and future threats by enhancing the self-defense of its forces,” a DSCA release said

Details of the potential arms transfer are:

 Tactical Mission Network Software, Equipment, and Services and related equipment for an estimated cost of $1.01 billion.

AH-1W Helicopter Spare and Repair Parts and related equipment for an estimated cost of $96 million.

M107A7 Self-Propelled Howitzers and related equipment for an estimated cost of $4.03 billion.

High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems and related equipment for an estimated cost of $4.05 billion.

Tube-launched, optically tracked, Wire-guided missile system and related equipment for an estimated cost of $353 million.

Javelin Missile System and related equipment for an estimated cost of $375 million.

Harpoon Missile Repair Follow-on Support and related equipment for an estimated cost of $91.4 million.

ALTIUS-700M and ALTIUS-600 loitering munition systems and related equipment for an estimated cost of $1.1 billion.