Pentagon said in a statement that the package would include up to 220 Tomahawk cruise missiles as well as technical assistance

The US State Department has authorised the potential sale of Tomahawk cruise missiles to Australia in a deal worth up to USD 895 million, according to the Pentagon.

Pentagon said in a statement that the package would include up to 220 Tomahawk cruise missiles as well as technical assistance. On Thursday, the Pentagon's Defence Security Cooperation Agency informed Congress of the potential sale.

Despite State Department approval, the notification does not imply that a contract has been signed or that negotiations have concluded. Raytheon was named as the weapons' primary contractor by the Pentagon.

China has condemned this, as well as other actions, that were taken by the US and its allies Australia and the United Kingdom, to counter Beijing's desire to extend its influence in the Indo-Pacific region.

“We're cognizant of pertinent reports. Any defence and security cooperation between countries should benefit regional peace and stability, and not be aimed at third parties or harm the interests of third parties,” said China foreign ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin when asked about the agreement.

“The relevant action has worsened regional tensions, seriously damaging regional peace and stability, with the potential of triggering a regional arms race. China urges all parties to abandon their outdated Cold War mentalities and narrow geopolitical concepts,” Wang said at a regular press conference on Friday.

The United States, Australia, and the United Kingdom unveiled specifics of a plan on Monday to provide Australia with nuclear-powered attack submarines beginning in the early 2030s.

China has declared that the AUKUS agreement, a trilateral security pact between the US, Australia, and the UK, is an illegal act of nuclear proliferation.