US President Joe Biden’s administration has announced a new aid package for Taiwan, including “defense articles,” military education, and training. The announcement has drawn swift criticism from Beijing, which has vowed to “reunify” Taiwan with the Chinese mainland by force if necessary.
The White House statement did not provide specific details about the weapons or equipment that would be included in the aid package. However, media reports, citing unnamed officials, suggest that it could consist of portable air defense systems, small arms munitions, and reconnaissance equipment.
China’s embassy in Washington wasted no time in expressing its disapproval of the move. Liu Pengyu, a spokesman for the embassy, called on the US to halt the sale of arms to Taiwan and “stop creating new factors that could lead to tensions in the Taiwan Strait.”
Despite not officially recognizing Taiwan, the US has been supportive of the island’s defense efforts. With just 13 diplomatic allies, Taiwan has sought to strengthen its defenses as Beijing’s aggressive stance towards the island continues to escalate. China has been conducting regular incursions of warplanes and naval vessels near Taiwan’s coastline.
China’s recent military exercises near Taiwan have further strained the already tense relationship between Washington and Beijing. While the US supports Taiwanese independence under the “One China” policy, it is also required by law to support the defense of the island.
In recent years, Washington has approved billions of dollars in military aid for Taiwan. This includes a $8 billion deal to deliver 66 F-16 fighter jets by 2026. President Biden’s support for Taiwan and its independence-leaning administration, led by Tsai Ing-wen, has only added to the mounting tensions between the US and China.
The aid package for Taiwan comes after the US Congress authorized Biden to draw aid for the island from American military stocks. This fast-track method of providing equipment mirrors Washington’s assistance to Ukraine following Russia’s invasion.
The announcement of the aid package for Taiwan underscores the ongoing geopolitical tensions in the region. It is likely to further strain the already fragile relationship between the US and China, with Taiwan caught in the middle of a power struggle between the two global superpowers.
Original Story at www.tasnimnews.com – 2023-07-29 07:01:00
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