The United States has got itself entangled in all the major crises across the world and is raising voice against its archrivals for posing threat to the allies -- predominantly Israel, Saudi Arabia, Ukraine and Taiwan -- through statements and high-level visits by officials, while selling arms to them.
Since the beginning of the war in Ukraine on February 24, US military assistance has already crossed $3 billion in weapons such as Javelin missiles, heavy artillery, howitzers and tactical drones, and it is likely to increase with the US allies and Nato members following the suit.
After his high-voltage Middle East tour last month, the US government on August 2 approved fresh sales to Saudi Arabia worth $3 billion that include MIM-104E Patriot missiles. Earlier, the Trump administration had announced deals worth $25 billion despite opposition by congressional committees.
Last week, the State Department also approved the possible sale of "Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) System Missiles, THAAD Fire Control and Communication Stations, and related equipment for an estimated cost of $2.245 billion" to the UAE.
In May last year, Biden administration approved the potential sale of $735 million in precision-guided weapons to Israel, amid objections by US lawmakers.
Another key ally, South Korea has ordered some sophisticated weaponry from the US. In August last year, the State Department ok’d the sale of precision-guided weapons worth about $258 million to South Korea, the Defense Security Cooperation Agency said.
The sale will help South Korea address threats on the Korean Peninsula and progress the transfer of wartime operational control to the country, the agency said.
Taiwan Straits
In the South China Sea, where the US has eight naval bases, the latest tension has exposed its arms deals with Taipei.
The visit of US House of Representative Speaker Nancy Pelosi to Taipei last week prompted Beijing to remind the US to follow the “one-China principle” and launch military drills in the region.
Pelosi’s visit follows President Joe Biden’s warning that the US would "defend" Taiwan if it were attacked by China – a threat that seems normal for a country spending over $800 billion or 3.5% of its GDP in the Pacific, according to Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (Sipri).
Earlier, the State Department approved the possible sale of "military-technical assistance" worth $108 million for Taiwan in July. The Pentagon said in a statement that Taiwan requested repair parts for tanks and combat vehicles, small arms, combat weapon systems, and logistical support items.
In January, Taiwan’s legislature passed an extra $8.6 billion in defense spending, much of which will likely be allocated to anti-ship weapons.
Since 2019, Taiwan has ordered at least $17 billion worth of US military equipment, according to Defense News, which includes an $8 billion order of 66 F-16 fighter jets.
