THE United States has approved the possible sale of drones and missiles to Taiwan amid tensions with China, the Pentagon said today.

The sale, worth some $360 million (£283m), “will help improve the security of the recipient and assist in maintaining political stability, military balance, and economic progress in the region,” the Pentagon said.

It includes anti-personnel and anti-armour loitering munitions and related equipment and drones, the agency added.

Loitering munitions are small guided missiles that can fly around a target area until they are directed to attack.

Taiwan’s Defence Ministry welcomed the efforts to increase arms sales to the island.

It has repeatedly complained of delayed deliveries.

“In the face of the Chinese communists’ frequent military operations around Taiwan, these US-agreed-to arms sales items will have the ability to detect and strike in real time, and can respond quickly to enemy threats,” it said in a statement.

Taiwan is currently reportedly reinforcing its military combat against what it calls a threat of a Chinese invasion because of Beijing’s military drills nearby.

The announcement is likely to anger China and increase tensions with Taiwan.

It has repeatedly warned the US not to provide Taiwan with weapons to protect stability in the region.

China rejects any recognition of Taiwan as an independent state and says that Beijing is the only legitimate sovereign government.

It follows claims by Chinese President Xi Jinping at a summit in 2023, revealed this weekend, that the US “wants” China to invade Taiwan and that it was trying to “trick China.”

He said that he would “not take the bait.”