The United States has approved an arms sale worth $11 billion to Taiwan, marking one of the largest military support packages for the self-ruled island in recent years. The announcement, made by Taiwanese authorities on Thursday, has quickly drawn a sharp response from China, which views Taiwan as part of its territory.

According to Taipei, the weapons package includes advanced military equipment such as HIMARS rocket systems, howitzers, anti-tank missiles, drones, and other defence hardware. While the deal still requires approval from the US Congress, it is expected to pass easily given Washington’s long-standing bipartisan support for Taiwan’s security.

The latest sale is the second arms package approved since President Donald Trump returned to office in January. It follows a smaller $330 million deal announced in November for spare parts and equipment. Taiwanese officials say the move reflects a continued US commitment to helping the island strengthen its defence capabilities amid rising pressure from Beijing.

Taiwan has significantly increased its defence spending over the past decade as China has stepped up military activity around the island, including near-daily deployments of warships and aircraft. Analysts describe these actions as “grey-zone” tactics designed to intimidate Taiwan without triggering outright conflict.

Reacting to the announcement, China strongly condemned the arms sale, urging the United States to stop what it described as dangerous actions. Beijing warned that it would take firm measures to protect its territorial integrity, reiterating its position under the “one-China” principle.

Despite maintaining its own defence industry, Taiwan remains heavily reliant on US military support, given the scale of China’s armed forces. Taiwan’s defence ministry said the latest arms package would help build strong deterrence and improve the island’s readiness in the face of growing security threats.

President Lai Ching-te’s administration has pledged to further boost defence spending, aiming to raise it above three percent of GDP next year and to five percent by 2030. These plans, however, still require approval from Taiwan’s opposition-controlled parliament.

As tensions continue to simmer across the Taiwan Strait, the arms deal underscores the fragile balance between deterrence, diplomacy, and rising geopolitical rivalry in the region.