Taiwan welcomes fourth US arms sale under Biden

Taiwan on Thursday welcomed US approval of a $120 million sale of naval equipment that the two allies said would bolster the island's "combat readiness" and ability to work with American forces.

Self-ruled, democratic Taiwan lives under constant threat of invasion by authoritarian China, which views the island as part of its territory to be retaken one day -- by force if necessary. 

Under a law passed by Congress, the United States is required to sell Taiwan military supplies to ensure its self-defence against Beijing's vastly larger armed forces.

US President Joe Biden, meanwhile, has come under bipartisan pressure to deepen ties with Taiwan as Washington vies for influence in the Asia-Pacific region to counter China.

Washington announced Wednesday it had approved the sale of spare and repair parts for ships and ship systems, as well as "logistical technical assistance", all of which would enhance Taiwan's "interoperability with the United States and other allies".

"The proposed sale will contribute to the sustainment of the recipient's surface vessel fleet, enhancing its ability to meet current and future threats," the Pentagon's Defence Security Cooperation Agency said in a statement.

It would be the fourth arms sale to Taiwan under Biden, and the third this year.