US Congressman, Michael McCaul, said at a press conference Monday in Taipei that the weapons Taiwan had ordered were on their way. The Republican chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee told reporters that the war games from China on Monday, were an “intimidation tactic” to punish democracy and that deterrence was key. He told Taiwanese authorities that the US would “get the weapons you purchased to you as soon as possible.”

On Sunday, Taiwan’s President, Lai Ching-te, had urged China to work with the island to ensure regional stability, after China surrounded Taiwan with military vessels. McCaul said that this “armada of ships and airplanes” sent a “very strong message to the United States” and underscored the “threat that this island faces from its neighbour.”

A Chinese defence spokesperson said in a statement that the: 

military drills around Taiwan aim to crack down on the arrogance of ‘Taiwan independence’ separatist forces and deter the interference and intervention of external forces, which are completely reasonable, lawful, legitimate and necessary.

China has consistently asserted sovereignty over Taiwan and regards the island as a breakaway province. In contrast, Taiwan sees itself as a distinct and autonomous entity with its own constitution and democratically-elected leaders. In the past year, China has escalated its military presence around Taiwan, prompting international concern. This latest round of “war games” prompted the US State Department to issue a statement expressing concern and urging Beijing to “act with restraint.”

Last year, following a previous visit to Taiwan by McCaul, Beijing placed sanctions on the Congressman. In his speech Monday, McCaul said that the US must boost the island’s deterrence capabilities and “do everything we can to make him (Xi Jinping) see that the risk outweighs the reward. That the risk is too high. The deterrence we will provide will help prevent that.”