Ministry of Foreign Affairs USA approved a possible sale Taiwan $1.1 billion worth of military equipment, including 60 anti-ship missiles and 100 air-to-air missiles.

The announcement comes in the wake of Chinese military exercises around Taiwan following a visit by U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi to the island last month – the highest-ranking U.S. official to visit Taipei in years.

The package includes 100 Sidewinder missiles to intercept enemy missiles and drones ($85.6 million), 60 Harpoon anti-ship missiles ($355 million) and support for the Taiwanese radar system ($665 million), the US State Department said in a statement.

Once approved by the State Department, arms sales must be approved by Congress, which is considered almost guaranteed.

“We urge Beijing to stop military, diplomatic and economic pressure on Taipei and instead enter into dialogue with it,” a State Department spokesman said, adding, “The United States continues to support a peaceful solution to the issue in accordance with the wishes and interests of the people of Taiwan.”

China considers Taiwan part of its territory, while Taipei claims that Beijing has never ruled the island and has no right to claim it.

Beijing threatens Washington with “countermeasures”

The Chinese government has threatened the US with “retaliation” if it continues to sell new weapons to Taiwan.

“China will resolutely take legal and necessary countermeasures,” warned Liu Pengyu, a spokesman for the Chinese embassy in Washington.

^{Sources: AFP, REUTERS, APE-MPE.}