The United States announced a $345 million military aid package for Taiwan on Friday, aimed at fast bolstering the island’s capabilities to repel a Chinese invasion.
The package, which includes intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance technology as well as small weapons munitions, will be pulled from US reserves, allowing it to be supplied in a shorter-than-usual timeframe.
According to a Pentagon official, these are capabilities that Taiwan can use to bolster deterrence now and in the future.
“Elements of the package address critical defensive stockpiles, multi-domain awareness, anti-armor, and air defence capabilities”, he continued.
“We are working quickly to deliver the military aid announced today”, he added.
Taiwan’s defence ministry thanked Washington for its steadfast commitment to Taiwan’s security.
“The Presidential Drawdown Authority, in addition to weapons sales, is an important support for Taiwan’s self-defence”, said ministry spokesperson Sun Li-fang.
“In order to maintain peace, stability, and the status quo in the Taiwan Strait, Taiwan, and the United States will continue to work closely on safety issues”, Li-fang added.
Congress has authorized President Joe Biden to draw aid for Taiwan from American military reserves, in the same way, that Washington has offered substantial support to Ukraine since Russia invaded in February 2022.
The Chinese military has performed two large drills surrounding Taiwan in the last year, simulating targeted strikes and a blockade of the island.
China, an increasingly assertive diplomatic and military power, claims Taiwan as part of its territory and has pledged to take it by force if necessary.
The White House issued a statement announcing the package of defence articles and services from the Department of Defence, as well as military education and training, to provide assistance to Taiwan.
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