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U.S. Approves $570 Million Military Aid Package to Taiwan

U.S. Approves $570 Million Military Aid Package to Taiwan
Credit: Daniel Ceng/AP

United States (Washington Insider Magazine)-The U.S. is finalizing a substantial $570 million security assistance package to Taiwan, the largest to date, as reported by multiple congressional aides and a U.S. official. This strategic move, expected to anger China, involves rapidly delivering aid by directly shipping from U.S. military stocks, a method proven effective in supporting Ukraine.

The Pentagon has already approved this package, pending the president’s signature, which is anticipated before the fiscal year ends. Notably, this package nearly doubles the $345 million sent last year, highlighting a significant escalation in U.S. military support for Taiwan.

Taiwan remains a sensitive issue in U.S.-China relations, with Beijing asserting that the self-governed island is part of its territory and threatening military action to achieve unification. Conversely, the U.S. stands as Taiwan’s oldest military ally. Public tensions often surface, as evidenced by China’s defense minister’s recent threats against supporters of Taiwanese independence during the Shangri-La Dialogue, Asia’s premier defense summit.

Despite these tensions, diplomatic efforts continue. At a recent defense conference in Beijing, the Chinese military adopted a less confrontational tone, coinciding with U.S. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan’s visit, where he engaged with senior Chinese officials.

The forthcoming aid package is expected to bolster Taiwan’s military capabilities with funds allocated for training, stockpiles, anti-armor weapons, air defense, and multi-domain awareness, although specific details remain vague. Drones, crucial to Taiwan’s asymmetric defense strategy, are also likely included.

Due to the sensitive nature of military support to Taiwan, the U.S. rarely discusses the specifics of its aid. The Pentagon and the National Security Council have refrained from commenting on this package, reiterating America’s commitment to Taiwan’s self-defense.

In a recent legislative effort, Congress granted the administration the authority to send Taiwan up to $1 billion from U.S. military stocks annually, providing a more direct form of support than previous arms sales. However, the Pentagon has been cautious about sending equipment it cannot replace, particularly after delays in earlier aid shipments caused issues such as moldy and expired supplies, prompting concerns about U.S. reliability.

This latest aid package, which has undergone several revisions, reflects a consensus among senior officials that more substantial support is necessary for Taiwan. Furthermore, the Pentagon is preparing a third drawdown aid package to Taiwan, expected to be finalized by January.

Amid ongoing geopolitical tensions, the U.S. continues to enhance Taiwan’s defense capabilities, reaffirming its strategic partnership in the Indo-Pacific region.

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