Four drone systems have now been agreed with Taiwan as part of Mr Trump’s ambitious arms deal. Since October, the US has agreed a series of arms deals with Taiwan despite the consistent threats from China. The MQ-9B Sea Guardian drone will be equipped with a further targeting system which will cost $600million (£461million).
The Defense Security Cooperation Agency said the sale of the unmanned aircraft will serve as part of America’s national and economic interests.
It stated: “This proposed sale serves US national, economic, and security interests by supporting the recipient’s continuing efforts to modernize its armed forces and to maintain a credible defensive capability.
“The proposed sale will help improve the security of the recipient and assist in maintaining political stability, military balance, economic and progress in the region.”
However, as is usual with China’s stance against interference from foreign states in the region, Beijing’s foreign ministry issued its latest warning to the US.
Speaking today, foreign ministry spokesman, Wang Wenbin said China will be forced to take action if the US continues its deals with Taiwan.
He said: “I’d like to stress again that the US arms sales to the Taiwan region severely violate the one-China principle.
“China urges the United States to stay committed to the one-China principle and the three China-US joint communique, stop arms sales to and military ties with the Taiwan region, and immediately cancel its arms sale plan to avoid further damaging China-US relations and cross-strait peace and stability.
“China will take legitimate and necessary reactions to firmly safeguard national sovereignty and security interests.”
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Under the Taiwan Relations Act, the US has agreed to supply the state with arms in order to defend itself.
The US has also increased its naval drills in the East and South China Seas in order to stop Beijing’s aggressive land claims.
This year, the US has sent two officials to the state in a move designed to show its continued defence of the state against China.
Health Secretary, Alex Azar journeyed to China in August in what was the highest-ranking state visit from the US since 1979.
In September, US undersecretary of state Keith Krach, visited the state.
Although he visited Taiwan to attend the funeral of former president, Lee Teng-hui, China sent fighter jets and bombers across the Strait in a show of force.
The jets entered Taiwan’s southwest air defence system and caused Taipei to scramble jets in response.
Although there were no clashes, Taiwan insisted China had violated its sovereignty.