All articles tagged with #arms sale
Originally Published 25 days ago — by Financial Times
The United States has approved an $11 billion arms sale to Taiwan, marking a significant move in US-Taiwan relations amid ongoing regional tensions.
Originally Published 5 months ago — by Axios
The Senate rejected measures to block over $675 million in arms sales to Israel, despite a growing number of Democrats supporting an embargo due to concerns over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The votes showed a split within the Democratic Party, with some moderates supporting the restrictions, but bipartisan support for arming Israel remaining strong, with most Republicans and many Democrats voting against the resolutions.
Originally Published 1 year ago — by Yahoo News
The US Senate rejected a resolution to block the $23 billion sale of F-16 fighter jets and modernization kits to Turkey, which was approved by President Biden's administration following Turkey's approval of Sweden's NATO membership. The sale had been delayed due to Turkey's refusal to approve Sweden's accession to NATO, but the Biden administration proceeded with the sale after Ankara ratified Sweden's NATO membership. The decision to proceed with the sale was supported by backers who emphasized the importance of honoring commitments to a NATO ally, while critics expressed concerns about emboldening Turkey's "misbehavior."
Originally Published 1 year ago — by Responsible Statecraft
Senator Rand Paul plans to force a vote to block the $23 billion sale of F-16 fighter jets and military supplies to Turkey, citing concerns over human rights abuses and destabilizing behavior. The Biden administration approved the sale last month, but Paul and other senators have expressed reservations about Turkey's actions and its relationship with the US. The sale, which includes F-16s and tools to modernize Turkey's fighter jet fleet, has faced opposition in Congress, but successfully blocking it would require a veto-proof majority.
Originally Published 1 year ago — by The Associated Press
China demands the U.S. stop any official contact with Taiwan following a congressional delegation's visit, criticizing a $75 million arms sale to Taiwan as undermining its sovereignty and security interests. The visit and arms sale have drawn strong opposition from Beijing, which considers Taiwan part of Chinese territory. The U.S. is obligated to provide Taiwan with military hardware and technology to deter invasion, and the visit coincided with an announcement of the arms sale. The congressional delegation met with Taiwanese leaders to show bipartisan support for the partnership, but China's response reflects its ongoing sensitivity and opposition to U.S. involvement with Taiwan.
Originally Published 2 years ago — by Reuters
The Biden administration has delayed the sale of over 20,000 U.S.-made rifles to Israel due to concerns about attacks by Israeli settlers on Palestinians in the occupied West Bank. The administration is seeking assurances from Israel that the firearms will not be given to settlers and is also concerned about the potential use of the weapons by Israeli police units with human rights concerns. The delay reflects the administration's warnings to Israel to address violence by settlers against Palestinians. The sale has not yet been formally notified to Israel, and the State Department did not comment on the matter.
Originally Published 2 years ago — by Reuters
The Biden administration has used emergency authority to approve the sale of approximately 14,000 tank shells to Israel without congressional review, worth $106.5 million. This comes as part of a larger package worth over $500 million, including 45,000 shells for Israel's Merkava tanks. The sale has raised concerns among rights advocates, who argue that it contradicts Washington's efforts to minimize civilian casualties. The State Department maintains that Israel must comply with international humanitarian law and take steps to avoid harm to civilians. The sale is seen as a demonstration of U.S. commitment to Israel's security and will enhance its defensive capabilities.
Originally Published 2 years ago — by Yahoo! Voices
The Biden administration has approved a $500 million arms sale to Taiwan, including infrared search tracking systems and related equipment for advanced F-16 fighter jets, despite objections from China. The move is likely to draw fierce criticism from Beijing, which considers Taiwan a renegade province. The State Department stated that the sale supports Taiwan's efforts to modernize its armed forces and maintain a credible defensive capability. China has recently increased its military activity around Taiwan, including sending fighter jets and navy vessels near the island.
Originally Published 2 years ago — by Al Jazeera English
Ukraine's soldiers gained a "partial" success in its counteroffensive amid "extremely fierce" battles with Russian forces. Russia said it repelled Ukrainian forces on three fronts and targeted Ukrainian arms warehouses. Germany called Russia the biggest threat to peace in the Euro-Atlantic area. The International Committee of the Red Cross visited 1,500 prisoners of war on both sides of the conflict in Ukraine. A senior Republican on the United States Senate's Foreign Relations Committee blocked a $735m arms sale to Hungary because of its refusal to approve Sweden's bid to join NATO.
Originally Published 2 years ago — by The Washington Post
Sen. James E. Risch, the top Republican on the Foreign Relations Committee, is blocking a $735 million U.S. arms sale to Hungary until it approves NATO membership for Sweden. Risch's move is aimed at pressuring Budapest into greenlighting the military alliance's expansion ahead of a major summit next month. Hungary's continued blocking of Sweden's NATO membership bid has caused exasperation among allies.
Originally Published 2 years ago — by Military.com
China's military has warned that it is prepared to "smash" any form of Taiwan independence, as the US reportedly prepares to accelerate the sale of defensive weapons and other military assistance to the self-governing island democracy. China claims Taiwan as its own territory and has been upping its threats by sending planes and warships into waters and airspace around Taiwan. The US has been increasing its exchanges with Taiwan's military, and President Joe Biden is preparing to approve the sale of $500 million in arms to Taiwan, as well as sending more than 100 military personnel to evaluate training methods and offer suggestions for improving the island's defenses.
Originally Published 2 years ago — by ABC News
China's military has warned that it is ready to "smash" any form of Taiwan independence, as the US reportedly prepares to accelerate the sale of defensive weapons and other military assistance to the self-governing island democracy. China claims Taiwan as its own territory and has been upping its threats by sending planes and warships into waters and airspace around Taiwan. The US has been a strong supporter of Taiwan and is expected to approve the sale of $500m in arms to the island, as well as sending more than 100 military personnel to evaluate training methods and offer suggestions for improving the island's defences.