Biden approves $567 million in defense aid to Taiwan
US President Joe Biden has approved $567 million in defense support for Taiwan, the White House said on Monday, the latest move by the United States to bolster the island’s military power in the face of growing tensions with China.
The United States is Taiwan’s most important international backer and arms supplier, despite the lack of formal diplomatic relations.
China has repeatedly demanded that Washington stop selling arms to Taipei, which it considers part of its territory.
The White House said in a statement that Biden has given the secretary of state the authority to direct the withdrawal of up to $567 million in Department of Defense articles and services and military education and training to provide assistance to Taiwan.
In April, Biden signed a bill providing billions of dollars in new US aid to Ukraine in its war with Russia, as well as to Israel and Taiwan.
Taiwan has complained about delays in the delivery of US weapons, including advanced F-14 fighter jets.
China has stepped up military and political pressure over the past five years to assert its sovereignty over Taiwan, which Taipei strongly rejects.
