President Biden authorizes $567 million defense aid package for Taiwan

Lauren Taylor

President Biden has authorized an unprecedented $567 million defense aid package for Taiwan, marking a significant escalation in U.S. support for the self-ruled island amid rising tensions with China.

China has intensified its military activities around Taiwan, featuring long-range missile tests, frequent incursions into Taiwan’s air defense zone, and a recent provocative intercontinental ballistic missile launch. These actions have prompted Taiwan to elevate its defense readiness.

China maintains a near-constant presence of fighter jets, drones, and warships around Taiwan, with recent incidents involving dozens of aircraft crossing the median line of the Taiwan Strait.

The U.S. still acts as Taiwan’s primary security partner despite not officially recognizing Taiwan diplomatically.

Beijing urged the United States to “stop arming Taiwan in any form.”

A spokesman for China’s Foreign Ministry warned that the U.S. insistence on supporting Taiwan with weapons will backfire and lead to self-inflicted consequences.

China has consistently condemned the U.S. for supporting Taiwan, asserting that Taiwan is part of China and not an independent nation.