U.S. President Joe Biden has approved $567 million in defense assistance for Taiwan, the White House announced on Sunday, as China intensifies political and military pressure on the self-governed island.
Although the United States does not officially recognize Taiwan diplomatically, it remains a critical partner and primary supplier of military equipment to Taipei—a fact that has long irked Beijing. China considers Taiwan part of its territory and has repeatedly urged Washington to cease its military support.
In a brief statement, the White House confirmed that Biden had authorized Secretary of State Antony Blinken to oversee the transfer of up to $567 million in defense articles, services, and military education from the Department of Defense to Taiwan. Specific details of the aid package were not disclosed, though it is significantly larger than the $345 million in defense assistance approved in July 2023.
This new assistance follows the U.S. approval of billions in military aid for Taiwan earlier this year, as tensions with an increasingly assertive China continue to escalate.
Beijing has routinely voiced its opposition to international backing for Taiwan, accusing Washington of interference in Chinese affairs. Chinese fighter jets, drones, and warships have maintained a near-daily presence around the island in recent months.
China has vowed never to renounce the use of force to bring Taiwan under its control and has repeatedly declared that “unification” is inevitable.
When questioned about the latest U.S. defense package on Monday, China’s foreign ministry issued a warning. Spokesperson Lin Jian called on Washington to halt all forms of military aid to Taiwan, stating, “The U.S.’s insistence on supporting Taiwan independence with weapons will only backfire and result in self-inflicted consequences.”
