The U.S. has approved the sale of an anti-tank mine system to Taiwan amid the growing military threat from China. The State Department said the Volcano system and all related equipment would cost about $180 million.

Taiwan will buy the vehicle version, a type of general-purpose weapon.

The State Department said the Volcano sale serves U.S. national, economic and security interests by supporting the recipient's continuing efforts to modernize its armed forces and maintain a credible defense capability.