WASHINGTON \u2014 The U.S. for the first time approved the transfer of weapons to Taiwan under a program usually reserved for sovereign states, the State Department said Wednesday.<\/p>\n
The department added that the transfer under the Foreign Military Financing mechanism didn\u2019t reflect a change in policy on the island\u2019s status, according to the Associated Press. China regards Taiwan as a renegade province and has repeatedly protested American arms sales.<\/p>\n
In the past, the U.S. has used other avenues for arms sales to Taiwan that don\u2019t imply statehood. <\/p>\n
The Foreign Military Financing mechanism also covers international organizations as well as nations.<\/p>\n
In the latest Taiwan package, the State Department approved as much as $80 million to purchase weapons for Taiwan as the island looks to bolster its defenses against China.<\/p>\n
American funds could be used to finance the acquisition and refurbishment of armored and infantry vehicles, artillery systems, drones and counter-drone equipment, communications and individual soldier equipment, as well as requisite training, according to the congressional notification.<\/p>\n
Congress last year authorized the administration to provide up to $2 billion in military support for Taiwan, which is separate from the Taiwanese government\u2019s purchase of equipment from U.S. defense contractors.<\/p>\n
___<\/p>\n