US President Joe Biden's administration has approved a potential $180 million arms sale to Taiwan amid tensions between the island and Beijing. It is reported by CNN.

The administration has informed Congress of its approval of a possible sale of mine-clearing systems and related equipment to the Office of the Economic and Cultural Representative Office, Taiwan's U.S. diplomatic outpost, the State Department said..

“This proposed sale serves U.S. national, economic, and security interests by supporting the recipient’s ongoing efforts to modernize its military and maintain a robust defense capability.. The proposed sale will help improve the security of the recipient and will help maintain political stability, military balance and economic progress in the region..

Washington has long provided the island with weapons under the terms of the Taiwan Relations Act.. However, the move risks angering Beijing, which sees Taiwan as part of China..

In September, the US administration approved over $1.1 billion in arms sales to Taiwan, the largest since President Joe Biden's tenure..

The sale came shortly after tensions between China and the United States escalated following House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's visit to Taiwan in early August..

In August 2021, the US administration offered a $750 arms sale to Taiwan..

The news of the latest arms sale approval comes after Biden signed a massive new defense bill last week that would create a Taiwan defense modernization program to deter Chinese aggression..

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Earlier, US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken accused China of undermining a decade-long status quo that kept both countries out of war over Taiwan, saying Beijing was trying to hasten its takeover of the island.. US Naval Operations Commander Admiral Michael Gilday said China could invade Taiwan this or next year. He suggests that the United States must be prepared to respond to an invasion..