Taiwan is reportedly planning to place additional weapons orders—including air defense systems and rocket launchers—with its security partner, the United States, as the self-ruled democratic island faces increasing military pressure from its powerful neighbor, China.

Newsweek has emailed the Taiwanese Defense Ministry for comment. China 's Foreign Ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Why It Matters

The Chinese Communist Party has long claimed sovereignty over Taiwan , despite never having governed the island. Chinese leader Xi Jinping has vowed to use force to achieve unification if necessary, and his armed forces have been preparing for a potential invasion of Taiwan .

While the U.S. no longer maintains diplomatic relations with Taiwan, it is requi

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