China says it ‘firmly opposes’ US military aid to Taiwan as Biden approves defence package
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Soldiers securing a US-made Abrams battle tank onto a trailer at a Hsinchu army armour training centre on Dec 16. Taiwan received tanks from the US recently.
PHOTO: AFP
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BEIJING – China has said it “firmly opposed” US President Joe Biden’s approval of US$571.3 million (S$774 million) in defence assistance for Taiwan.
The White House said on Dec 20 that Mr Biden had authorised the drawdown “of up to US$571.3 million in defence articles
The White House statement did not provide details of the military assistance package, which comes less than three months after one worth US$567 million was authorised.
“This move gravely infringes on China’s sovereignty and security interests,” Beijing’s Foreign Ministry said in a statement on Dec 22, adding it “firmly opposes this action”.
China “has lodged stern representations with the US at the earliest opportunity”, it said.
The US does not officially recognise Taiwan diplomatically, but it is the self-ruled island’s strategic ally and largest supplier of weapons.
China, which has ramped up political and military pressure on Taiwan in recent years, has repeatedly called for Washington to cease sending arms and assistance to the island, which it claims as part of its territory.
Taiwan earlier this week received 38 advanced Abrams battle tanks
