WASHINGTON, Dec 20 (Reuters) – U.S. President Joe Biden announced on Friday that he will provide $571.3 million in defense support to Taiwan, according to the White House. Additionally, the State Department approved a potential sale of military equipment worth $265 million to the island.
Despite the absence of formal diplomatic relations between Washington and Taipei, the United States is legally obligated to ensure that Taiwan, which China claims as its territory, has the resources to defend itself, a situation that continues to provoke anger from Beijing.
Democratically governed Taiwan firmly rejects China's claims of sovereignty. In recent months, China has increased military pressure on Taiwan, conducting daily military operations near the island and holding two rounds of war games this year.
Last week, Taiwan heightened its alert status in response to what it described as China's largest naval force buildup around the island in three decades, with significant deployments in the East and South China Seas.
According to a White House statement, President Biden has authorized the Secretary of State to oversee the drawdown of up to $571.3 million in defense articles and services from the Department of Defense, as well as military education and training, to assist Taiwan, although specific details were not provided.
Taiwan's defense ministry expressed gratitude to the United States for its "firm security guarantee," stating that both sides will continue to collaborate closely on security matters to maintain peace in the Taiwan Strait.
The Pentagon announced that the State Department has approved a potential sale to Taiwan of approximately $265 million in command, control, communications, and computer modernization equipment. Taiwan's defense ministry noted that this equipment sale would assist in upgrading its command-and-control systems.
Taiwan's defense ministry announced on Saturday that the U.S. government has approved $30 million for parts for a 76 mm autocannon. This acquisition is expected to enhance the island's ability to counter China's "grey-zone" warfare tactics.
0 Comments