Taiwan will receive a military aid package valued at $345 million from the United States. The federal government announced the measure on Friday. The military aid package, which includes equipment as well as training, is aimed at increasing Taiwan's capabilities and strengthening the country against China.
The decision came via presidential order and is the first time military equipment will have been transferred to the Taipei government in this way. The Biden administration's move allows the transfer of U.S. equipment directly to Taiwan.
Some interesting insight to Taiwan’s current military drills pic.twitter.com/HTwFWfmki3
— Thenewarea51 (@thenewarea51) July 26, 2023
The decision to send arms and materiel to Taiwan angered China, which has claims to Taiwan's sovereignty. Although President Biden made some statements a little over a month ago to calm the relationship with Beijing, this decision goes completely against those remarks.
According to AP sources, the military aid package includes MANPADS, which are anti-aircraft defense systems, as well as intelligence and surveillance capabilities, as well as ammunition, firearms and artillery. All materials will come with their corresponding training for use.
This $345 million package comes after the Senate called for more U.S. involvement in Taiwan's defense. Meanwhile, the House of Representatives was more inclined to reduce tensions and lower the amount of aid. It is understood that President Biden ended up leaning toward the chamber with a Democratic majority.
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確保「國家關鍵基礎設施」防護，展現軍民聯合及民防系統應變能力！#HanKuang39thExercise #ROCArmedForces #ProtectOurCountry #ROC #Taiwan🇹🇼 #我的主場我來守護 pic.twitter.com/ndAunvlJya— 軍聞社 Military News Agency, ROC(Taiwan)🇹🇼 (@mna_roc) July 26, 2023
Prior to this package, Congress had already given the green light to a series of sales of military equipment to Taiwan, in addition to military financing totaling $113 million. The Taipei government is soon expected to obtain a batch of about 70 F-16 fighters, equipped with the latest weapon system upgrades.
The Chinese embassy in Washington issued a statement disapproving of this latest news.
