President Biden Approves $567m Defence Aid For Taiwan

U.S. President Joe Biden has approved a substantial $567 million in defense assistance for Taiwan, as confirmed by the White House. This move comes amid escalating political and military tensions with China, which has been increasing its pressure on Taiwan over the past five years.

The United States, despite not having formal diplomatic ties with Taiwan, remains its most significant international backer and primary arms supplier. The newly approved defense package aims to bolster Taiwan's military capabilities, providing essential defense articles, services from the Department of Defense, and military education and training.

In a statement, the White House mentioned that President Biden had delegated the Secretary of State the authority "to direct the drawdown of up to $567 million in defense articles and services of the Department of Defense, and military education and training, to provide assistance to Taiwan."

China, which claims Taiwan as its territory, has repeatedly demanded that Washington cease all arms sales to Taipei. The Chinese government views these sales as a violation of its sovereignty and has consistently voiced strong opposition to any form of military support provided to Taiwan by the United States.

This latest approval is part of a broader strategy by the U.S. to support its allies in the region. Earlier in April, President Biden signed a bill into law that allocated billions of dollars in new U.S. aid to Ukraine for its conflict with Russia, as well as additional support for Israel and Taiwan. Despite these efforts, Taiwan has expressed concerns over delayed U.S. arms deliveries, including upgrades for F-14 fighter jets.