The Biden administration has approved a $360 million weapons sale to Taiwan, according to a statement released by the U.S. State Department on Tuesday. This package includes 291 Altius-600M unmanned aerial vehicles and 720 Switchblade drones, which are extended-range loitering munitions.

The sale aims to support Taiwan’s ongoing efforts to modernize its armed forces and enhance its defensive capabilities, thereby contributing to regional political stability, military balance, and economic progress. The State Department emphasized that the transfer would not alter the existing military balance in the region.

This development occurs amid heightened tensions between Washington and Beijing, as China views Taiwan as part of its territory and has expressed intentions to consolidate control, potentially by force. Despite these tensions, both the U.S. and China have recently been working to ease their strained relations.