US Approves $567 Mln in Defense Aid for Taiwan

On Sunday, President Joe Biden approved a significant defense aid package worth $567 million for Taiwan, as announced by the White House.

This move comes as China intensifies its political and military pressure on the self-governing island.

Although the US has recognized Beijing diplomatically over Taipei since 1979, it remains Taiwan's strongest ally and the primary supplier of military equipment.

In a brief statement, the White House indicated that Biden authorized the Secretary of State to direct the withdrawal of up to $567 million for defense items and services from the Department of Defense, including military education and training, to assist Taiwan.

The specifics of this aid package were not disclosed, but it represents a significant increase compared to the $345 million in defense support approved in July of the previous year.

Earlier this year, in April, Washington also approved military assistance for Taiwan amounting to billions of dollars in response to China's aggressive stance.

China regards Taiwan as an integral part of its territory and has not ruled out the use of force to reclaim it if necessary.