US approves potential sale of $2.2bn in arms to Taiwan, stoking China's anger

Beijing opposes the possible sale saying the US should understand the 'damaging nature of their decision'

The US State Department has approved the potential sale to Taiwan of $2.2bn in arms, including Abrams tanks and Stinger missiles, the Pentagon said on Monday.

The announcement is likely to anger Beijing, which views Taiwan as part of its territory and has previously expressed "serious concerns" about the possible sale.