In a significant move of the United States’ strategic commitment to Taiwan, President Joe Biden has approved a $571.3 million defense assistance package for the self-ruled island. This announcement comes as Biden nears the end of his term, with President-elect Donald Trump set to take office in January.
Though the United States does not officially recognize Taiwan diplomatically, it has long been a critical security partner and the island’s largest supplier of military equipment.
Over the years, U.S. administrations have sought to balance their commitment to Taiwan with their diplomatic ties to China, a nation that views Taiwan as a breakaway province.
The latest defense package includes military equipment, services, and training provided by the U.S. Department of Defense. While specific details of the assistance were not disclosed, this package follows a similar authorization in recent months, indicating a sustained effort to bolster Taiwan’s defense capabilities.
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Earlier this week, Taiwan received 38 state-of-the-art Abrams battle tanks, marking the island’s first acquisition of new tanks in three decades. This delivery symbolizes the deepening defense relationship between Washington and Taipei at a time of escalating regional tensions.
In response to the U.S. announcement, Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense expressed gratitude for America’s “firm security commitment.” A statement from the ministry emphasized the importance of the U.S.-Taiwan partnership in maintaining peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait, a critical waterway that separates Taiwan from mainland China.
However, Taiwan refrained from commenting on the specifics of the defense package, citing a mutual understanding with the United States to maintain discretion regarding such matters.
China, on the other hand, has repeatedly voiced strong objections to U.S. military support for Taiwan, accusing Washington of interfering in its internal affairs. Beijing’s stance on Taiwan remains unwavering, with officials frequently asserting that reunification with the island is “inevitable” and that the use of force remains on the table.
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In recent years, China has ramped up political and military activities near Taiwan, conducting regular air and naval operations in the region. Taiwanese officials reported that last week China staged its largest maritime drills in years, deploying around 90 ships across a wide expanse stretching from Japan’s southern islands to the South China Sea.
While Beijing has not confirmed the specifics of these drills, the exercises align with a broader pattern of increased military assertiveness. A recent U.S. Pentagon report highlights China’s amplified pressure on Taiwan throughout 2023, citing an uptick in the deployment of fighter jets, drones, and warships near the island.
The timing of Biden’s decision is notable, coming amid heightened global attention on Taiwan’s strategic significance. As a vital link in global supply chains, particularly in the semiconductor industry, Taiwan’s security and autonomy hold ramifications far beyond the region.
AFP