WASHINGTON (Reuters] – The United States approves a sale of up to $100 million in equipment and services to Taiwan, to help “sustain…keep…and improve” Patriot missile defense systems used by Taiwan, according to the Pentagon on Monday.

According to the U.S. Defense Security Cooperation Agency, it has provided the certification necessary for Congress after State Department approval of the sale. The certificate was requested by Taiwan’s de facto Embassy in Washington.

The DSCA stated in a statement that upgrades to Patriot Air Defense System “would help improve the security and aid in maintaining political stability and military balance in the region.”

According to the agency, “This sale supports U.S. national and economic security interests, by supporting the recipient’s continued efforts to modernize their armed forces, as well to keep a credible defense capability,”

Raytheon Technologies, NYSE:, and Raytheon Technologies would be the principal contractors. Lockheed Martin It said.

The Foreign Ministry of Taiwan said that it was “highly pleased” with the decision.

In a statement, it stated, “In the face China’s continual military expansion, provocative actions,”

According to Taiwan’s Defense Ministry, the decision by the United States to acquire newer Patriot missiles came during an April 2019 meeting between officials from the Trump administration.

According to the ministry, the agreement was likely to be in effect within one month.

The democratically controlled island complained that China had repeatedly deployed its air force within its zone of air defense. It is believed this was part of Beijing’s efforts to press Taipei into recognizing its sovereignty.

Although the United States does not have any official relations with Taiwan like other countries, Washington is Taiwan’s biggest supporter and must provide its defense.

U.S. officials push Taiwan to upgrade its military in order to make it a “porcupine,” which is hard to attack by China. Such arms sales are always rebuked by China.

Last month, China’s Ambassador to the United States stated that their super powers might end up in military conflict if Washington supports Taiwan’s independence.