China claims the USA has approved the sale of weapons and services to Taiwan for a possible 100 million to “sustain, maintain and improve” the Patriot missile defense system used by the United States.

The State Department has decided to approve a possible foreign military sale of equipment and services to the United States Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office to support participation in the Patriot International Engineering Services Program and Field Surveillance Program.

The program is designed to sustain, repair and improve the Patriot Air Defense System at an estimated cost of US 100 million, with engineering service support for five years, according to a statement from the Defense Security Cooperation Agency. Necessary verification has been provided to inform Congress after the approval.

“The proposed sale serves US national, economic and security interests by supporting the recipient’s continued efforts to modernize its armed forces and maintain a credible defense capability.” The proposed sale would help improve recipient security and maintain political stability, military balance, economic growth and development in the region, “the statement said.