31-8-2023 (WASHINGTON) President Joe Biden’s administration has granted approval for direct US military aid to Taiwan for the first time under a foreign government assistance program, officials confirmed on Wednesday, August 30. This move comes as concerns regarding China’s intentions in the region continue to grow.
The US State Department informed Congress about the US$80 million aid package on Tuesday. While this package may seem modest compared to recent arms sales to Taiwan, it marks a significant development as the first assistance to Taipei under the Foreign Military Financing program. This program typically involves grants or loans to sovereign countries.
China is expected to strongly oppose this move. For five decades, the United States has officially recognized Beijing as the sole legitimate government of China. However, under the Taiwan Relations Act, Congress mandates the supply of defensive weapons to the self-governing democracy of Taiwan. Previous US administrations have fulfilled this requirement through arms sales rather than direct aid.
The State Department clarified that this new assistance program did not imply any change in the US’s recognition of Taiwan’s sovereignty.
In a statement, a State Department spokesperson said, “Consistent with the Taiwan Relations Act and our longstanding One China policy, which has not changed, the United States makes available to Taiwan defense articles and services necessary to enable it to maintain a sufficient self-defense capability.”
“The United States has an abiding interest in peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait, which is critical to regional and global security and prosperity,” the spokesperson added.
Taiwan’s defense ministry expressed gratitude for the aid, emphasizing that it would contribute to regional peace and stability.
While the State Department did not formally announce the aid or provide specific details, it is understood that the assistance will include support to enhance maritime awareness.
Approval from Congress is required for the aid, and it is highly likely to receive bipartisan support, as lawmakers from both parties generally back Taiwan.
Representative Mike McCaul, the Republican chair of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, praised the move, stating, “These weapons will not only help Taiwan and protect other democracies in the region but also strengthen the US deterrence posture and ensure our national security from an increasingly aggressive CCP,” referring to the Chinese Communist Party.
Tensions between China and the United States have simmered in recent months as the two nations engage in dialogue aimed at stabilizing their complex relationship. However, Taiwan remains a major point of contention, with China repeatedly issuing warnings and viewing the United States as supporting Taiwan’s formal independence.
China has conducted significant military exercises on multiple occasions in response to interactions between Taiwanese leaders and the United States, raising concerns about the possibility of an invasion.
Senior US officials have expressed the belief that Chinese President Xi Jinping may be moving away from the status quo on Taiwan. However, there is debate among American analysts regarding the extent to which China’s economic concerns and Russia’s challenges in Ukraine will influence Beijing’s actions.
This marks the second time in as many months that the Biden administration has taken significant steps to support Taiwan. In July, President Biden approved US$345 million in military aid to Taiwan from surplus US stockpiles, drawing inspiration from a similar means of support provided to Ukraine in its conflict with Russia.
It’s important to note that Israel remains the largest recipient of Foreign Military Financing, receiving more than US$3 billion annually.
