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President Biden Boosts Military Support for Taiwan with $571m


The United States' strategic alliance with Taiwan, US President Joe Biden has authorized a substantial military aid package amounting to $571.3 million for the self-ruled island.

This decision comes as President Biden prepares to leave office ahead of the January inauguration of Donald Trump.


The White House announced on Friday that the defense assistance would include a drawdown of defense articles and services from the Department of Defense, along with military education and training.


This package follows closely on the heels of a similar authorization less than three months ago, which was valued at $567 million. Despite not officially recognizing Taiwan diplomatically, the United States remains its largest supplier of weapons.

The aid is seen as a reaffirmation of Washington's commitment to Taiwan's security amidst increasing political and military pressure from China. Beijing, which claims Taiwan as part of its territory, has repeatedly called for an end to US arms sales to the island.


Taiwanese officials have reported that China conducted its largest maritime drills in years last week, deploying approximately 90 ships from near Japan's southern islands to the South China Sea. Although Beijing has not confirmed these exercises, the maneuvers are perceived as a demonstration of China's growing assertiveness in the region.


In response to the US aid, Taiwan's Ministry of National Defense expressed gratitude, stating, "Taiwan and the United States will continue to cooperate closely on security issues to maintain peace, stability, and the status quo across the Taiwan Strait." However, the ministry refrained from commenting on the specifics of the assistance, citing a "tacit agreement" between the two nations.


China has consistently voiced its displeasure over international support for Taiwan, accusing the US of meddling in its internal affairs.


The Chinese government maintains a near-daily presence of fighter jets, drones, and warships around Taiwan, and has declared that it will never renounce the use of force to achieve unification.


A recent Pentagon report highlighted that China has "amplified" its diplomatic, political, and military pressure against Taiwan throughout 2023.


This development further complicates the already tense relations between the US and China, as both nations navigate their geopolitical interests in the Asia-Pacific region.




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