The United States announced a $345 million military aid package for Taiwan on Friday, aimed at fast bolstering the island’s capabilities to repel a Chinese invasion.
The package, which includes intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance technology as well as small weapons munitions, will be drawn from the United States’ own reserves, allowing it to be supplied on a shorter-than-usual timeframe.
These are “capabilities that Taiwan will be able to use to bolster deterrence both now and in the future,” according to a Pentagon official.
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The package’s components “address critical defensive stockpiles, multi-domain awareness, anti-armor, and air defense capabilities,” he added.
“We are working quickly to deliver the military aid announced today.”
Taiwan’s defense ministry expressed gratitude to Washington for its “steadfast commitment to Taiwan’s security.”
“The Presidential Drawdown Authority, in addition to weapons sales, is an important support for Taiwan’s self-defense,” said ministry spokeswoman Sun Li-fang.
“Taiwan and the United States will continue to cooperate closely on safety issues in order to maintain peace, stability, and the status quo in the Taiwan Strait.”
Congress has authorized President Joe Biden to draw help for Taiwan from American military reserves, much as Washington has done for Ukraine since Russia invaded in February 2022.
The Chinese military has conducted two large drills surrounding Taiwan in the last year, simulating targeted strikes and a blockade of the island.
China, an increasingly assertive diplomatic and military power, claims Taiwan as part of its territory and has pledged to take it by force if necessary.
The White House issued a statement announcing the package of “defense articles and services from the Department of Defense, as well as military education and training, to provide assistance to Taiwan.”
