China’s military expansion has raised concerns for Taiwan, but a recent arms deal approval by the United States has raised hopes for the small island nation.

Taiwan – a self-ruled democracy – says it’s determined to strengthen itself after the Biden administration approved another round of arms sales to the island.

The State Department notified Congress of a $95 million equipment and maintenance package for Taiwan’s Patriot surface-to-air missile systems on April 5, according to a press released issued by the Pentagon’s Defense Security Cooperation Agency. This is the Biden administration’s third foreign military sale to Taiwan.

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The move “demonstrates the high value the US government places on Taiwan’s defense needs,” Taipei said in a statement Wednesday, adding that the arms sale was timely and would “effectively increase deterrence.”

“Faced with China’s continued military expansion and provocations, Taiwan must fully demonstrate its high degree of determination to defend itself,” the Foreign Ministry said.

China claims Taiwan as its own and has been stepping up pressure on the island to take territory control. Taiwan says it’s already an independent state under the name of the Republic of China. Beijing has conducted repeated air sorties into Taiwan’s air defense zone, raising concerns.

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There are several latest Patriot missile systems, made by American contractor Raytheon Technologies, that are under operation in Taiwan. 

“This proposed sale serves US national, economic and security interests by supporting the recipient’s continuing efforts to modernize its armed forces and to maintain a credible defensive capability,” the Pentagon notice said. “The proposed sale will help to sustain the recipient’s missile density and ensure readiness for air operations. The recipient will use this capability as a deterrent to regional threats and to strengthen homeland defense.”

Under the the Taiwan Relations Act and the “Six Assurances,” the US is honoring its commitment to support the small island nation. US does not have any formal diplomatic ties with Taiwan, but is bound by law to provide the island with the means to defend itself.

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Zhao Lijian, a spokesperson for China’s Foreign Ministry, condemned the deal with Taiwan, demanded that the US withdraw the package. The arms sale “seriously undermines China’s sovereignty and security interests, and seriously undermines China-U.S. relations and peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait,” he said, according to Xinhua Net. “China will take resolute and powerful measures to resolutely defend its sovereignty and security interests,” Zhao said.

China has sanctioned US defense giants — including Boeing Defense, Lockheed Martin and Raytheon — for selling arms to Taiwan.