WASHINGTON – U.S. President Joe Biden has approved $567 million in defense support for Taiwan, the White House announced on Sunday, further solidifying the U.S.’s backing of the island as tensions with China continue to escalate.
The aid includes defense articles, services, and military education and training from the U.S. Department of Defense, although no further specifics were provided by the White House. The U.S. remains Taiwan’s most crucial international partner and primary arms supplier, despite the absence of formal diplomatic relations. China, which claims Taiwan as part of its territory, has repeatedly called for the U.S. to cease its arms sales to Taipei.
This announcement follows Biden’s signing of a bill in April that provides substantial military aid not only to Ukraine and Israel but also to Taiwan. Taiwan has expressed concerns over delays in U.S. arms deliveries, including critical upgrades for its F-14 fighter jets. In recent years, China has increased its military and political pressure on Taiwan, which rejects Beijing’s claims of sovereignty.