Sept 29 (Askume) – U.S. President Joe Biden on Sunday approved $567 million in defense aid to Taiwan, the White House said, the latest step in a U.S. plan to bolster Taiwan’s military capabilities amid rising tensions with China.
Even in the absence of formal diplomatic ties, the United States is Taiwan’s most important international supporter and arms supplier. China has repeatedly called on Washington to stop arms sales to Taipei, which it claims as territory.
The White House said in a statement that Biden had authorized the secretary of state “to reduce Defense Department funding for defense supplies and services and military education and training by up to $567 million directly to provide support to Taiwan.”
No further details were given.
Biden signed a tough bill in AprilBillions of dollars in new aid to Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan, at war with Russia .
Taipei has complained about delays in supplies of US weapons, including advanced F-14 fighter jets .
China considers democratically governed Taiwan as its territory and has increased military and political pressure over the past five years to back up its claims, which Taipei strongly rejects.
