Biden approves $725 million in defence support for Taiwan, White House says
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In April, President Joe Biden signed a hard-fought Bill into law that provides billions of dollars of new US aid to Ukraine for its war with Russia, as well as for Israel and Taiwan.
PHOTO: REUTERS
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WASHINGTON – US President Joe Biden on Sept 29 approved US$567 million (S$725 million) in defence support for Taiwan, the White House said, the latest move by the United States to boost the island’s military in the face of rising tensions with China.
The US is Taiwan’s most important international backer and arms supplier even in the absence of formal diplomatic ties. Beijing has repeatedly demanded that Washington stop selling weapons to Taipei.
In a statement, the White House said Mr Biden had delegated the Secretary of State the authority “to direct the drawdown of up to US$567 million in defence articles and services of the Department of Defence, and military education and training, to provide assistance to Taiwan”.
It provided no further details.
In April, Mr Biden signed a hard-fought Bill
Taipei has complained of delayed US arms deliveries
China, which views democratically governed Taiwan as its own territory, has ramped up military and political pressure over the past five years to assert its claims, which Taipei strongly rejects.
Asked about the new defence assistance on Sept 30, China’s Foreign Ministry warned the US that arming Taiwan would “backfire”.
“The US’ insistence on supporting Taiwan independence with weapons will only backfire and lead to self-inflicted consequences,” said spokesman Lin Jian. AFP, REUTERS
