US plans new arms sale to Taiwan

WASHINGTON: Congressional aides said United States president Barack Obama's administration was planning its first arms sale to Taiwan in four years. It is a move that will draw criticism from Beijing but is unlikely to derail US-China relations. The $1.8 billion (RM7 billion) sale will include two decommissioned US Navy frigates, minesweepers, Stinger missiles, and anti-armour and anti-tank missiles. The administration is seeking to expedite approval from the House and Senate foreign affairs committees so it can notify Congress this week.