US Approves $567 Million in Military Support for Taiwan Amid Rising Tension with China
Recently, US President Joe Biden authorized an additional $567 million in military support for Taiwan, a move seen as provocative by Beijing. This decision comes days after the arrival of US-made Harpoon anti-ship missiles in Taiwan.
The new military support includes equipment, education, and training provided by the Pentagon to Taipei. This funding is part of a broader foreign security assistance package approved by Congress, with Taiwan, Israel, and Ukraine being the primary recipients.
The arrival of the Harpoon Block II anti-ship missiles, approved in 2020, signals America’s commitment to Taiwan’s defense. With plans to deliver up to 400 missiles, Taiwan is preparing to host these weapons in new bases. Beijing has condemned these actions, viewing them as a destabilizing factor in cross-strait relations.
As tensions rise, the Chinese government reiterates its goal of peaceful reunification with Taiwan but warns of using force if Taipei declares formal independence. Meanwhile, Washington’s decision to provide significant military aid to Ukraine further complicates the geopolitical landscape in the region.