The US State Department has approved the potential sale of 2.2 billion US dollars worth of arms to Taiwan. The Pentagon said the arms included Abrams tanks and Stinger missiles.<br />'' <br />'' Meanwhile, China urged Washington to immediately cancel the potential weapons sale. Beijing views Taiwan as part of its territory. The announcement coincides with other strains in US-China ties, particularly over trade.The US Congress has been notified about the potential deal, having 30 days to object to the sale but are unlikely to do so.<br />'' <br />'' The US switched diplomatic recognition from Taiwan to China in 1979, but Taipei has remained an important ally. In recent years, Washington has been wary of completing big ticket arms deals with Taiwan, fearful of stoking China's anger.But President Donald Trump has sought to strengthen ties with Taipei and appeared more willing to sell major weapon systems.<br />''  <br />