Taipei said in July it was hopefully it would receive all 66 F-16V jets by the end of 2026, adding to one of Asia's largest fleets. The aircraft, approved for sale in 2019, are being built by Lockheed Martin— also sanctioned by China.

China has announced sanctions on American companies selling arms to the self-ruled island of Taiwan, which Beijing claims as its own territory and threatens to annex by force.

China has lodged solemn representations with the U.S. side over the matter, Zhang said. China on Wednesday announced steps against nine U.S. military-linked firms over U.S. weapon sales to Taiwan.

The United States Navy released its "Navigation Plan for America’s Warfighting Navy" on Thursday, outlining how the U.S. will meet the growing threat of Chinese military aggression against Taiwan by 2027.

Drawing on lessons from fleet experimentation and real-world developments in the Black and Red seas, Adm. Lisa Franchetti said the Navy must deliver a proven hybrid fleet that incorporates robotic