U.S. President Joe Biden on Sunday approved $567 million in defense support for Taiwan, the White House said, the latest move by the United States to boost the island's military in the face of rising tensions with China.
The United States is Taiwan's most important international backer and arms supplier even in the absence of formal diplomatic ties.
China has repeatedly demanded Washington stop selling weapons to Taipei, which it claims as its territory.
In a statement, the White House said Biden had delegated the Secretary of State the authority "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".
In April, Biden signed a hard-fought bill into law that provides billions of dollars of new U.S. aid to Ukraine for its war with Russia, as well as for Israel and Taiwan.
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@5LB5FVVDirect Democracy2yrs2Y
Decisions like these should involve direct input from the citizens. A national referendum on foreign military aid would ensure that the government's actions reflect the people's will.
Instead of funding defense, we should invest in humanitarian efforts that promote social equity and address the needs of vulnerable populations in the region
@PumaEverlyRepublican2yrs2Y
Taiwan stands as a beacon of religious freedom in contrast to China's restrictions. Providing defense support aligns with our moral duty to uphold and protect those who share our values
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