President Joe Biden has agreed to provide $571.3 million in defense support for Taiwan, as confirmed by the White House on Friday. The State Department has also approved the potential sale of $265 million worth of military equipment to the island.
Despite the lack of formal diplomatic ties between the United States and Taiwan, the U.S. is obligated by law to provide the Chinese-claimed island with the means to defend itself. This decision has historically angered Beijing, which claims sovereignty over Taiwan.
Taiwan has been on high alert following what it described as China's largest massing of naval forces in three decades around Taiwan, as well as in the East and South China Seas. China has been increasing its military pressure on Taiwan with daily military activities near the island and two rounds of war games this year.
In response to these escalating tensions, President Biden delegated the authority to the secretary of state to direct the drawdown of defense articles and services worth up to $571.3 million from the Department of Defense, as well as military education and training, to provide assistance to Taiwan.
The Pentagon has also announced that the State Department approved the potential sale of approximately $265 million worth of command, control, communications, and computer modernization equipment to Taiwan. Additionally, the U.S. government has approved $30 million of parts for 76 mm autocannon, which Taiwan says will enhance its ability to counter China's "grey-zone" warfare.
Taiwan's defense ministry has expressed gratitude for the U.S.'s security guarantee and stated that the two countries will continue to collaborate closely on security issues to maintain peace in the Taiwan Strait.