Washington | The US House of Representatives has passed a sweeping $US858 billion ($1.3 trillion) defence spending bill that provides $US10 billion to fund the provision of weapons to Taiwan as the country comes under increasing pressure from China.

The National Defence Authorisation Act, which is expected to pass the Senate later this month, provides five years of funding for weapons. It marks the first time the US government will finance weapons for Taiwan, which in the past has bought arms from US companies after Washington has provided approval for the sales.

Financial Times