(CNN) The Trump administration has formally approved a major $8 billion arms sale to Taiwan involving 66 new F-16C/D fighter jets, the State Department announced Tuesday, a move that comes amid heightened tensions between Washington and Beijing over a range of issues, including trade and Hong Kong.

Administration officials and others familiar with the matter had previously told CNN that the administration had informally approved the deal but some officials had cautioned it could still be pulled back, citing uncertainty surrounding the US relationship with China.

The new weaponry -- the largest US sale to Taiwan in years -- could further erode ties with Beijing, as it views the self-governing island as part of China.

Beijing was quick to slam the proposed sale when it was first reported last week.

On Friday China's Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Hua Chunying, said the United States' arms sales to Taiwan undermine China's sovereignty and core interests.

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