Taipei, Taiwan – Taiwan's government on Thursday expressed its appreciation to the US for approving a $750-million arms deal.

Taiwan's presidential office spokesperson Xavier Chang said the move showed the US government takes Taiwan's self-defense capabilities seriously.

He also noted it marks the first sale of arms from Washington to Taipei since US President Joe Biden took office in January.

The US State Department approved the sale of 40 M109A6 Paladin self-propelled howitzers and related equipment to Taiwan, and said that Congress was notified, the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) said in a statement late Wednesday.

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The systems will help Taiwan update its military capability and help it operate with the US and other allies, the DSCA said.

"The proposed sale will help improve the security of the recipient and assist in maintaining political stability, military balance, and economic progress in the region," the DSCA added.

The statement stressed that the support will not alter the basic military balance in the region.

Taiwan's Ministry of National Defense said Thursday the sale would likely happen next month.

Taiwan has had an independent government since 1949, but China considers the democratic island part of its territory.