(CNN) The US formally notified Congress of a proposed $1.8 billion in advanced weapons systems sales to Taiwan -- a move sure to increase tensions with Beijing. A State Department spokesperson told CNN that "consistent with the Taiwan Relations Act, the United States makes available to Taiwan defense articles and services necessary to enable it to maintain a sufficient self-defense capability. The United States also maintains the capacity to resist any resort to force or other forms of coercion that would jeopardize the security, or the social or economic system, of Taiwan." "Taiwan intends to use its own funds for these purchases, which, if concluded, the proposed sale of these systems will enhance Taiwan's defensive capability," the spokesperson said. "The proposed sale of these systems will counter modern threats to Taiwan by increasing the operational range and capabilities of its F-16s and enhancing Taiwan's close, medium, and long range artillery capabilities."

Source: CNN October 21, 2020 22:07 UTC