Washington (CNN) The State Department has approved a possible deal with Taiwan to renew a $500 million training program in the US for Taiwanese F-16 pilots and maintenance crews.

The proposed sale is bound to irritate Beijing, which has long protested US arms sales to Taiwan.

"Today's notification is consistent with the Taiwan Relations Act and our support for Taiwan's ability to maintain a sufficient self-defense capability," a US State Department official told CNN.

The training program is based at Luke Air Force Base in Arizona and goes back several years.

The $500 million package covers the costs associated with the program including flight training, participation in approved training exercises, training munitions, supply and maintenance support, and spare and repair parts.

Read More