China vows “resolute, forceful measures” to protect sovereignty as US approves $11bn arms sale to Taiwan

China has angrily condemned the United States’ approval of an $11 billion arms package for Taiwan, calling the move “dangerous” and a violation of the one-China principle. The announcement was made Thursday by Taipei, highlighting one of the largest weapons deals for the island in recent history.

The proposed sale, which still requires US Congressional approval, includes HIMARS rocket systems, howitzers, anti-tank missiles, drones, and other military equipment. It follows a smaller $330 million arms sale in November and is the second under US President Donald Trump’s second term.

Taiwan’s foreign ministry said the package demonstrates Washington’s “firm commitment to Taiwan’s security” and bolsters its ability to deter aggression from Beijing.

China, which claims Taiwan as part of its territory, responded swiftly. Foreign ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun urged the US to halt arms transfers, warning Beijing would take “resolute and forceful measures” to protect its sovereignty.

The island has ramped up defence spending amid mounting Chinese military pressure. President Lai Ching-te’s government plans to increase defence expenditure to over three percent of GDP next year and to five percent by 2030. Taipei also aims to secure NT$1 trillion in special funding to upgrade air defence and expand ammunition production, pending approval from its opposition-controlled legislature.

Taiwan’s defence ministry reported that 40 Chinese military aircraft and eight naval vessels were detected around the island in a 24-hour period ending Thursday, part of Beijing’s ongoing “grey-zone” operations — coercive tactics that stop short of war. On Tuesday, Beijing’s newest aircraft carrier, the Fujian, sailed through the Taiwan Strait, highlighting ongoing military pressure.

Analysts say Taiwan remains heavily dependent on US arms to counterbalance China’s superior military strength, despite maintaining its own defence industry. The latest package is expected to quickly pass Congress due to bipartisan support for Taiwan’s defence.

During Trump’s first term, the US approved $10 billion in arms sales to Taiwan, including $8 billion for fighter jets. The new $11 billion deal rivals the $18 billion package authorised under former President George W. Bush in 2001, though that was later downsized to $15.6 billion over his eight-year term.

Taiwan’s defence ministry said the arms sale would help the island “rapidly build robust deterrence capabilities,” ensuring it can safeguard its population against potential aggression.

The announcement underscores rising US-China tensions over Taiwan and highlights the strategic importance of the island in the Indo-Pacific security landscape.