US President Biden authorises $571 million in military aid to Taiwan
As tensions between Beijing and Taipei remain high, US President Joe Biden has authorised a $571.3 million military assistance package for Taiwan, the White House announced on Friday. This comes just weeks before Biden is set to leave office ahead of Donald Trump’s January inauguration.
The United States, while not formally recognising Taiwan diplomatically, remains the island’s strategic ally and largest arms supplier. This latest package follows a similar $567 million defence aid deal approved less than three months ago.
In a statement, the White House confirmed the aid would include defence articles, services from the Department of Defense, and military education and training. However, specifics of the package were not disclosed.
READ ALSO: Tragedy in Ondo: Truck kills 3 policemen, female suspect
This development occurs against the backdrop of increased Chinese military drills in the region. Taiwanese officials recently reported China’s largest maritime exercises in years, involving around 90 vessels deployed near southern Japan and the South China Sea.
Beijing has yet to confirm these drills but continues to assert its claim over Taiwan, maintaining that it will not rule out the use of force to achieve “unification.” In recent months, China has amplified its military, political, and diplomatic pressure on Taiwan, with near-daily displays of fighter jets, drones, and warships around the island.
Earlier this week, Taiwan received 38 advanced Abrams battle tanks from the United States, marking its first new tank acquisition in 30 years. Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense expressed gratitude to the United States for its unwavering support.
“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,” the ministry stated, while refraining from commenting on the details of the latest aid package.
China has consistently criticised US arms sales to Taiwan, accusing Washington of meddling in its internal affairs. This latest package is likely to further strain relations between the two superpowers, as Beijing views international support for Taipei as a direct challenge to its sovereignty.
As President Biden concludes his term, his administration’s efforts to bolster Taiwan’s defences underscore the United States’ commitment to the self-governing island amid growing regional tensions.
Follow the Neptune Prime channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Va74ZvU2v1IqKByXoX3d
Do you have breaking news, interview request, opinion, suggestion, or want your event covered? Email us at neptuneprime2233@gmail.com
