On Sunday, US President Joe Biden approved $567 million in defense assistance for Taiwan, as reported by the White House. Despite not having official diplomatic recognition, the United States remains a key partner for Taipei and a major supplier of weapons, much to Beijing’s displeasure.
The White House stated that Biden has authorized the secretary of state to oversee the allocation of up to $567 million in defense articles and services from the Department of Defense, as well as military education and training, to support Taiwan. This package is nearly double the size of the $345 million in defense support approved in July last year. In April, the United States approved billions in military aid for Taiwan in response to China’s increasing military and political pressure on the island. China, which considers Taiwan part of its territory, has frequently expressed discontent with international support for Taipei, accusing Washington of interference in its internal affairs.
China has also intensified its rhetoric about the “inevitable” unification of Taiwan and has maintained a regular presence of fighter jets, drones, and warships around the island.
