US Approves $385M F-16 Parts Deal for Taiwan Amid Regional Tensions

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The U.S. State Department has approved a $385 million military equipment sale to Taiwan, including spare parts for F-16 fighter jets and radar systems, the Pentagon announced Friday. The timing coincides with Taiwan President Lai Ching-te's upcoming Pacific diplomatic tour.

The approved package includes $320 million for F-16 fighter jet components and Active Electronically Scanned Array Radars, along with $65 million for improved mobile subscriber equipment to be supplied by General Dynamics.

Taiwan's defense ministry expressed confidence that the sales would be finalized within a month, noting the equipment would help maintain their F-16 fleet's operational readiness. The ministry reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening security partnerships with the United States.

This latest approval follows a larger $2 billion arms deal announced last month, which included Taiwan's first advanced air defense missile system previously deployed in Ukraine.

The United States maintains a legal obligation to provide Taiwan with defensive capabilities, despite lacking formal diplomatic relations. This policy regularly draws criticism from Beijing, as China claims sovereignty over Taiwan - a claim the democratically governed island rejects.

The announcement comes amid heightened regional tensions, with China conducting multiple military exercises near Taiwan this year. U.S. missile units are being positioned across strategic Japanese islands near Taiwan as part of expanding military cooperation in the region. Security sources suggest Beijing may plan additional drills to coincide with President Lai's upcoming visits to Hawaii, Guam, and several Pacific island nations.

China has urged the U.S. to exercise "utmost caution" regarding Taiwan relations, while U.S. State Department officials maintain that Lai's transit stops are routine and private in nature.