Biden approves $567mln in military aid to Taiwan
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US President Joe Biden has ordered up to $567 million in military aid, assistance, and training to Taiwan.
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In this photo released by Taiwan Military News Agency, Taiwanese soldiers launch a missile from a US-made FIM 92 Stinger man-portable air defense system during the annual Han Kuang military exercises in Penghu County, Taiwan, July 24, 2024. (AP)
US President Joe Biden authorized and ordered the provision of $567 million in military aid to Taiwan, a memo circulated by the White House revealed on Monday.
"I hereby delegate to the Secretary of State the authority under section 506(a)(3) of the FAA to direct the drawdown of up to $567 million in defense articles and services of the Department of Defense, and military education and training, to provide assistance to Taiwan," the document stated.
Only two weeks ago, the US State Department authorized a potential $228 million foreign military sale to the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office (TECRO).
According to a statement from the DSCA, the department approved the sale "to the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in the United States of Return, Repair, and Reshipment of Spare Parts and related equipment for an estimated cost of $228 million."
TECRO has requested the procurement of return, repair, and reshipment services for classified and unclassified aircraft spare parts, as well as engineering, technical, logistical, and program support services, according to the statement.
The proposed sale benefits US national, economic, and security interests by assisting the recipient's ongoing efforts to upgrade its armed forces and retain a credible defensive capacity, according to the statement.
Top Chinese general tells US to stop colluding with Taiwan
Last month, in a rare meeting with a visiting US official, a senior Chinese military officer called on the United States to cease its "collusion" with Taiwan.
Gen. Zhang Youxia, one of the two vice chairs of the Central Military Commission, told White House National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan that advancing what China terms the "reunification of Taiwan with the mainland" is “the mission and responsibility” of the military, according to a statement from China’s Defense Ministry.
“China demands that the United States stop military collusion between the US and Taiwan, stop arming Taiwan, and stop spreading false narratives about Taiwan,” the statement said.
Sullivan was wrapping up his first visit as national security advisor - a three-day visit to China - which aimed at preserving open communication and avoiding escalation of disagreements over Taiwan and other issues. Both governments are focused on carefully managing relations in anticipation of the US presidential transition in January.
Read more: US approves $700mln. collective military aid package for Taiwan
