The package, worth $1.8 billion sees Taiwan by sensors, missiles and artillery.

Taiwan said it did not want an arms race or confrontation with its regional neighbor.

It did, though thank the US and said the weapons were to help improve its defense and deal with the quote enemy threat, a new situation.

China has opposed news of the deal since its inception and says that it will severely damaged Chinese US relations.

It hasn't detailed what form retaliation may take.

In the past, China has sanctioned US companies for selling weapons to Taiwan.

The democratically ruled island nation is claimed by China on has long been a key point of tension for the country.

In recent years, the Trump administration has ramped up support for Taiwan through other arms sales visits by senior U.

S officials.

Like most countries, the U.

S has no formal diplomatic ties with Taipei.

Though it is its strongest global backer, it has pushed Taiwan to modernize its military so it could become a so called porcupine.