The United States has reportedly approved a $2 billion weapons sale to Taiwan, including air defense missiles and radar systems amid sovereignty disputes with China.

According to a statement from the US Department of State, the sale of “National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System” (NASAMS) missiles along with “AN/TPS-77” and “AN/TPS-78” radar systems to Taiwan has been approved. The statement indicated that $1.16 billion will be allocated to the missiles and $828 million to the radar systems. The Taiwan Ministry of Defense also stated that the NASAMS system, successfully tested in Ukraine, will enhance the air defense capabilities of the Taiwanese military.

The approval of the weapon sale is expected to provoke a response from China, which considers Taiwan part of its territory. China has previously imposed sanctions on numerous American companies linked to past weapon sales. Taiwan, which China claims as part of its territory, has maintained de facto independence since the establishment of the People’s Republic of China in 1949. The separation that emerged after the civil war between mainland China and Taiwan continues to this day. Beijing emphasizes the “One China” principle, opposing countries that recognize Taiwan and support arms sales to the island.