Washington [US], Aug 15 (ANI): The United States has signed a deal to sell 66 of the latest model F-16 jets to Taiwan amid the ongoing tensions between the Washington and Beijing, The Hill reported.

The F-16 jets have been built by Lockheed Martin Corp. The sale announced on Friday was first floated in 2019 and will reportedly be completed by the end of 2026. As part of the announcement, 90 jets will be sold to Taiwan.

Also Read | Independence Day 2020 | PM Narendra Modi Leaves From Red Fort After Addressing the Nation: Live Breaking News Headlines & Coronavirus Updates on August 15, 2020.

According to The Hill, the purchase marks the first time since 1992 that advanced fighter jets have been sold to the island and is likely to spark reproach from China, which has repeatedly warned against selling advanced weaponry to an island it considers its own territory.

Last year, China's Foreign Ministry urged Washington not to sell fighter jets to Taiwan and also stop arms sales and military contract with Taiwan. Beijing also threatened Washington of possible retaliation. (ANI)

Also Read | Donald Trump Donates $100K of Salary to National Park Service For Repairing Monuments.

(The above story is verified and authored by ANI staff, ANI is South Asia's leading multimedia news agency with over 100 bureaus in India, South Asia and across the globe. ANI brings the latest news on Politics and Current Affairs in India & around the World, Sports, Health, Fitness, Entertainment, & News. The views appearing in the above post do not reflect the opinions of LatestLY)