The Obama administration is set to approve the purchase of two guided missile frigates to Taiwan despite China's opposition, according to the United States congressional sources via NBC.

"Were expecting an announcement as early as this week," said a Republican Congressional Aide.

The sale marks the first time in four years that the United States has shipped missiles to Taiwan, a remarkably long gap in arm sales in almost 40 years.

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This also comes a year after Congress approved the Naval Transfer Act, which authorizes the sale of up to four Perry-class frigates to Taiwan in December 2014.

The frigates come from the United States' existing inventory and will not require new frigates to be manufactured.

Taiwan is expected to pay the cost of approximately $176 million dollars (5.7 Billion New Taiwan Dollars) for the vessels and they would require further deliberation should they want an additional purchase.

President Barack Obama has signed the transfer act into law but they are still waiting for Congress to push through with the sale. This is part of the administration's commitment to the Taiwan Relations Act that gives Taiwan assurance that it can provide a credible defense.

China has strongly condemned Taiwan's purchase of arms through the United States, stating that Taiwan is a "renegade province".

"We urge the U.S. side to earnestly recognize the high sensitivity and serious harm of weapon sales to Taiwan," said Hong Lei, the representative for the Chinese Foreign Ministry.

Lei stated that the arm sales are an "interference in China's internal affairs".

The purchase process between the United States and Taiwan has been held up due to the administration's attempt to maintain an established working relationship with China.

China serves as the United States' increasingly influential strategic rival that also serves as an important economic collaborator.

TagsObama administration, Taiwan arms deal, China opposition, Frigates Taiwan, United States White House