Also planned is the delivery of up to 60 modern Harpoon-type missiles, worth $355 million, which can be used to sink attacking ships.

The US State Department said the arms deal was "essential to Taiwan's security." At the same time, the ministry called on China to end its "military, diplomatic and economic pressure on Taiwan and to engage in meaningful dialogue with Taiwan."

Since the split between China and Taiwan in 1949, Beijing has viewed the island as a breakaway territory that it wants to reunite with the mainland - if necessary, using military force. The Russian war of aggression against Ukraine has raised fears that Beijing could use a similar approach in its dealings with Taiwan.

Most recently, the visit to Taiwan by US top politician Nancy Pelosi at the beginning of August caused a massive increase in tension. China held the largest military maneuvers in its history in the waters around Taiwan in response to Pelosi's visit.