NYT: US increasing weapons stockpiles in Taiwan
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Washington funds war business in Asia.
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The US-made Harpoon missile (US Navy)
The United States is increasing Taiwan's weapons stockpiles after China conducted military exercises around the island, according to a report published by The New York Times on Wednesday.
The air and sea exercises came after US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's visit to the island in August, sparking a diplomatic crisis between China and the US.
According to the US, Taiwan will be needed 'sufficient' amounts of weapons to defend itself against Chinese 'aggression', holding its ground before foreign states could intervene in the conflict, according to NYT.
US officials have informed Taiwanese officials and US weapons manufacturers that they would be more likely to be sending smaller, more mobile systems to Taiwan to engage in asymmetrical warfare.
In September, the Biden administration approved providing Taiwan with a weapons package - the sixth of its kind - worth $1.1 billion.
On Sunday, US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said the US will assist Taiwan in "developing the capability to defend itself" against a “Chinese invasion”.
"We're committed to helping Taiwan develop the capability to defend itself," Austin said in an interview with CNN.
In an interview with CBS last month, Biden said that if there was an "unprecedented attack," US troops would defend Taiwan.
The situation around Taiwan escalated following US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's visit to Taipei. China considers Taiwan part of its territory and opposes any direct official foreign contacts with the island.
Pelosi's visit led China to announce ending cooperation with the United States on a number of issues such as climate change, anti-drug efforts, and military talks.
