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US Approves $2 Billion Arms Sales to Taiwan Amid Rising Tensions with China
The United States has authorized a significant arms package valued at $2 billion for Taiwan, which includes the first-ever delivery of an advanced surface-to-air missile defense system to the self-governing island. This move, which has prompted sharp criticism from China, comes as Taiwan intensifies its defense measures amid increasing military threats from Beijing.
Taiwan’s presidential office expressed gratitude to Washington for the approval of the arms sales on Saturday. Under the leadership of newly elected President Lai Ching-te, Taiwan has been actively bolstering its defense capabilities in response to China’s escalating military maneuvers. Notably, just last week, Beijing conducted military exercises encircling Taiwan for the second time since Lai took office in May.
As Taiwan’s strongest unofficial ally, the United States is legally obligated to provide the island with the means to defend itself. “Strengthening Taiwan’s self-defense capabilities is the foundation for maintaining regional stability,” said Karen Kuo, spokesperson for Taiwan’s presidential office.
However, China swiftly condemned the arms sales, asserting that they infringe upon its sovereignty and security interests, further straining US-China relations. “China strongly condemns and firmly opposes this and has lodged serious protests with the US,” a spokesperson for the Chinese Foreign Ministry stated. The statement also warned that China would take “resolute countermeasures” to defend its national sovereignty and territorial integrity.
The proposed arms package includes three National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile Systems (NASAMS) and associated equipment, valued at approximately $1.16 billion, according to the US State Department’s Bureau of Political-Military Affairs. Additionally, the package encompasses radar systems estimated at $828 million. Taiwan’s Defense Ministry highlighted that the NASAMS system, which has been battle-tested in Ukraine, will significantly enhance the island’s air defense capabilities.
Chinese military officials indicated that last week’s war games were designed to practice the “sealing off of key ports and key areas” surrounding Taiwan. Taiwan reported a record count of 153 Chinese aircraft, along with 14 navy vessels and 12 government ships, encroaching on its air and maritime space.
The heightened military activities and the recent arms sales are likely to exacerbate tensions in the region, where the balance of power remains delicate. Analysts suggest that Taiwan’s continued military enhancements, coupled with US support, could lead to further provocations from China, as Beijing remains adamant about asserting its claims over Taiwan.
As the situation unfolds, both Taiwan and the United States reaffirm their commitment to maintaining regional stability and enhancing defense readiness in the face of mounting challenges from China.
News
Investigation Underway After Goa Nightclub Fire Kills at Least 25
Authorities in the Indian state of Goa have opened an investigation into a nightclub fire that killed at least 25 people, including several tourists, in one of the region’s most popular party districts. Six others were injured in the blaze, which broke out shortly after midnight in Arpora, a nightlife hub about 25 kilometres from the state capital, Panaji.
Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant confirmed the death toll in a statement posted on X, saying the victims included many of the club’s kitchen staff and a small number of visiting tourists. He added that all the injured were in stable condition and receiving medical treatment. Rescue teams recovered all bodies from the site.
Early reports from local police, cited by the Press Trust of India, indicated that a gas cylinder explosion triggered the fire. Witnesses, however, told the agency that the blaze appeared to start on the club’s first floor, where nearly 100 tourists were dancing at the time. As smoke and flames swept through the building, many people ran toward the lower floor, where they became trapped along with staff members.
Sawant said a formal inquiry would determine the exact cause and whether the club complied with fire safety regulations. He pledged strict action against anyone found responsible, writing on X that any negligence uncovered by investigators would be “dealt with firmly”.
Eyewitnesses described scenes of panic as patrons attempted to flee the burning building. “We rushed out of the club only to see that the entire structure was up in flames,” said Fatima Shaikh, who was inside when the fire began.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi offered condolences in a message on X, calling the incident “deeply saddening” and wishing the injured a swift recovery.
Local media reported that the club’s location along the Arpora River backwaters posed challenges for emergency crews. A narrow approach road forced fire engines to park about 400 metres from the entrance, slowing their response. Reports also revealed that the building had previously received a demolition notice after officials found it lacked a construction permit. That order was later withdrawn by senior state authorities, according to Arpora councillor Roshan Redkar.
Incidents involving gas cylinders and electrical faults are not unusual in India and often lead to heavy casualties, prompting renewed calls for stronger enforcement of safety standards. Opposition leader Rahul Gandhi criticised the tragedy as a “criminal failure of safety and governance” and urged a transparent investigation to establish accountability and prevent future disasters.
The probe into the fire is expected to assess structural safety, emergency exits and compliance with existing regulations as authorities work to piece together how the late-night gathering turned into one of the deadliest incidents in the state in recent years.
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