The proposed sale consists of equipment in existing US military stocks, the defence security cooperation agency (DSCA) said in a statement.

“This proposed sale serves US national, economic and security interests by supporting the recipient’s continuing efforts to modernise its armed forces and to maintain a credible defensive capability,” the DSCA said.

“The proposed sale will improve the recipient’s ability to meet current and future threats by maintaining the operational readiness of the recipient’s fleet of F-16 aircraft.”

China insists self-ruled Taiwan is part of its territory and opposes any international recognition of the island and its claim to be a sovereign nation.

The US, while not recognising Taiwan diplomatically, is a major international backer.

The proposed sale includes “spare parts and support for F-16 aircraft” and “Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar spare parts and support,” DSCA said.

The US Taipei economic and cultural representative office requested the purchase and deliveries were estimated to begin next year, it added.

The deal was approved by the state department, with the DSCA providing the required notification to Congress on Friday.