The American newspaper Politico reported, citing informed sources, that President Joe Biden’s administration plans to ask Congress for $1.1 billion to fund arms supplies to Taiwan.
Sources said the weapons package included 60 Harpoon anti-ship missiles worth $355 million and 100 Sidewinder tactical air-to-air missiles worth $85.6 million.
The package also includes a $655.4 million contract extension for the supply of surveillance radars.
After a formal appeal to Congress, House and Senate committees will have to sign off on the deal before it can be finalized.
Lawmakers are likely to approve arms sales to Taiwan, but the process could take some time given the current break in Congress.
This comes amid tensions over Taiwan following a visit to the island by Speaker of the US House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi and a number of US lawmakers, as well as movements of Chinese and American ships and aircraft near the island.
Representatives of the aforementioned committees and the US State Department did not comment on this issue.
Source: Politico