Biden Approves $571M Aid for Taiwan, Includes Abrams Tanks Amid China Tensions

Dec 23, 2024, 11:09 AM

President Joe Biden has approved $571 million in military aid for Taiwan, including Defense Department materials, services, and military education. The aid is part of ongoing U.S. efforts to bolster Taiwan's defense capabilities amid rising tensions with China, which claims Taiwan as its territory. This assistance follows a series of U.S. arms sales to Taiwan, including $295 million in military equipment announced earlier and $567 million authorized in September. Additionally, Taiwan recently received 38 Abrams tanks as part of a larger order, along with 300 tactical radio systems. China's Ministry of National Defense has condemned the move, stating it violates the one-China principle and the three China-U.S. joint communiqués. Chinese officials have warned that U.S. military support for Taiwan could escalate tensions in the Taiwan Strait and undermine regional stability. Taiwan has expressed gratitude for the aid, viewing it as a reaffirmation of U.S. commitment to its defense.