US President Joe Biden said in a statement on Friday that the United States is providing military aid worth $345 million to Taiwan, under which the funds will be used for defense products, education and military training. The aid package includes, among other things, man-portable air defense systems (MANPADS), firearms, missiles, and reconnaissance and surveillance equipment. For the first time, the Biden administration is sending military aid to the island from its defense reserves.
US lawmakers have pressured the Pentagon and the White House to speed up arms shipments to Taiwan. The goal is to help Taiwan confront China and deter China from considering an attack.
While Chinese diplomats protested the move, Taiwan’s trade office in Washington said Washington’s decision was “an important tool to support Taiwan’s self-defense.”
The United States severed diplomatic relations with Taiwan in 1979 and established them with the People’s Republic of China. In addition to recognizing the “one China” policy, Washington still maintains relations with the Taipei government and supplies the island with weapons.
(MTI)
