Biden Approves $571.3 Million in Defense Aid to Taiwan, Including $265 Million in Equipment and 38 Abrams Tanks

Dec 21, 2024, 06:55 AM

U.S. President Joe Biden has approved $571.3 million in defense assistance for Taiwan, the White House announced on Friday. This decision comes as Biden prepares to leave office ahead of Donald Trump's inauguration in January. The United States, while not officially recognizing Taiwan diplomatically, remains the self-ruled island's strategic ally and largest weapons supplier. The aid package includes defense articles, services, military education, and training, though specific details were not disclosed. This move follows less than three months after a similar package worth $567 million was authorized. Additionally, the U.S. State Department approved the potential sale of $265 million worth of military equipment to Taiwan, including command, control, communications, and computer modernization equipment. Taiwan's Ministry of National Defense expressed gratitude for the U.S.'s firm security commitment, emphasizing continued close cooperation to maintain peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait. Concurrently, Taiwan received its first batch of 38 advanced M1A2 Abrams tanks from the U.S., marking the first new tanks in 30 years, and the U.S. government also approved $30 million of parts for 76 mm autocannon to counter China's 'grey-zone' warfare. This military support comes amid escalating tensions with China, which claims Taiwan as part of its territory and has intensified political and military pressure on the island, including recent large-scale maritime drills.