Washington, Oct. 26 (CNA) The United States government announced Monday that it has approved a possible sale to Taiwan of up to 100 Harpoon Coastal Defense Systems (HCDS) and related equipment for approximately US$2.37 billion.

It was the second time in a week that Washington has announced arms sales to Taiwan. The affirmation marks President Donald Trump's 9th arms sale to Taiwan since he took office in January 2017.

The Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) under the U.S. Department of Defense formally notified Congress of the possible sales on Monday after they were approved by the State Department, according to a statement published by DSCA on its website.

The package, with an estimated cost of $2.37 billion, includes 100 HCDS consisting of up to 400 RGM-84L-4 Harpoon Block II Surface Launched Missiles and four RTM-84L-4 Harpoon Block II Exercise Missiles.

Also included are 411 containers, 100 Harpoon Coastal Defense System Launcher Transporter Units, 25 radar trucks, spare and repair parts, support and test equipment, publications and technical documentation, personnel training and training equipment, U.S. Government and contractor representatives' technical assistance, engineering and logistics support services, and other related elements of logistics support, DSCA said.

The agency reiterated that the proposed sale is consistent with U.S. law and policy as expressed in Public Law 96-8.

"The proposed sale serves U.S. national, economic, and security interests by supporting the recipient's continuing efforts to modernize its armed forces and to maintain a credible defensive capability," DSCA said.

The sale would also help "improve the security of the recipient and assist in maintaining political stability, military balance, economic and progress in the region," DSCA stated.

It underlined that the proposed sale of this equipment and support will not alter the basic military balance in the region.

On Oct. 21, the DSCA announced that the State Department had approved three arms packages for Taiwan totaling US$1.8 billion, and had submitted them to Congress for a final review.

The packages include 135 AGM-84H Standoff Land Attack Missile Expanded Response (SLAM-ER) missiles, 11 High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS) M142 Launchers, 6 MS-110 Recce Pods, and related equipment.