The US has approved $567 million in military support for Taiwan as part of Washington’s recent move to bolster the island’s armed forces amid rising tensions with China, the White House said on Monday.
The US is Taiwan’s most important international sponsor and arms supplier even in the absence of formal diplomatic ties. China has repeatedly demanded that Washington stop selling arms to Taipei, which it claims as its territory.
A White House statement said Biden had delegated authority to the secretary of state to “direct the allocation of up to $567 million for Department of Defense defence articles and services and military education and training to assist Taiwan.”
The document does not provide any further details.
The US approved billions of dollars in military aid to Taiwan in April as China has stepped up military and political pressure on the island. Beijing accuses Washington, which backs Taipei, of interfering in China’s “internal affairs.” Taipei has complained about delays in deliveries of US weapons, including upgraded F-14 fighter jets.
China has not renounced the use of force to assert control over Taiwan, and has stepped up rhetoric that “unification is inevitable.” Taiwan rejects China’s claims and says the islanders should choose their own future.
