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A Harpoon missile was launched in waters near the US Pacific island of Guam – Photo: AFP
On October 26, the Pentagon said that the US State Department had just approved the sale of 100 Harpoon coastal defense systems built by Boeing Corporation to Taiwan. This potential deal is worth up to $ 2.37 billion, according to Reuters News.
The move comes just days after the US State Department approved the sale of three other weapons systems to Taiwan, including sensor complexes, missile systems and artillery with a total value of $ 1.8 billion. , prompting Beijing to threaten to respond.
The AFP news agency, citing a statement from the US State Department, said that the sale of previous Harpoon coastal defense systems “will help improve receiver security and help maintain political stability and balance. area “.
In the 100 Harpoon coastal defense system deal that the US Department of State officially announced to the US Congress on October 26, there were 400 RGM-84L-4 Harpoon Block II missiles acting as cruise missiles. coastguard.
Earlier, also on October 26, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Lap Kien said that China would impose sanctions on Lockheed Martin, Boeing Defense, Raytheon and many other US companies involved. arms sales to Taiwan.
The moves come as President Donald Trump’s administration increased pressure on China ahead of Election Day 3-11 and amid growing fears about Beijing’s intentions involved, Reuters news agency commented. Taiwan problem.
China considers Taiwan as part of its territory and affirms that it does not rule out measures of force to unify the island. China has recently increased military activity near this territory, including island taking exercises.
At the end of August this year, page Taiwan News (Taiwan) published an article entitled: “Taiwan’s interest in the Harpoon missile makes the Chinese Navy afraid to leave.” The article said that Taiwanese leader Thai Anh Van at the time was promoting the purchase of Harpoon missiles from the United States.
Harpoons are anti-ship missiles, with many variations that can be launched from land, sea and air. Page Taiwan News citing sources that the Harpoon missile can destroy up to at least 70% of approaching ships in a confrontation.
