International

Biden Greenlights $567M Defense Boost for Taiwan

Published

3 months ago

Sep 30, 2024.

President Joe Biden has given the green light for $567 million in defense aid to Taiwan, marking the latest U.S. effort to strengthen the island’s military as tensions with China continue to rise.

Taiwan, although lacking formal diplomatic ties with Washington, relies heavily on the United States as its key international supporter and arms provider.

Beijing has long pressed the U.S. to halt its arms sales to Taiwan, a region China views as its own. Despite these demands, Washington continues to bolster Taiwan’s defenses.

The White House confirmed Biden’s decision in a statement, saying he has empowered the Secretary of State “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.”

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While specific details of the package weren’t disclosed, it reflects ongoing U.S. efforts to counter China’s growing assertiveness.

Earlier this year, Biden also approved legislation that allocates significant military aid not only to Ukraine and Israel but also to Taiwan.

Taiwan has voiced concerns over delayed deliveries of U.S. arms, including upgrades to its F-16 fighter jets.

Meanwhile, China has escalated both military and political pressures on Taiwan over the last five years, determined to enforce its territorial claims—claims that the democratically governed island firmly denies.

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