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China has warned the United States that it is making “dangerous moves” by providing Taiwan with an additional $571 million in defense materials, which was authorized by President Biden on Saturday
In addition to the $571 million approved by Biden, the U.S. Department of Defense announced Friday that $295 million in military sales had been approved for the self-governing island of Taiwan.
US sales and assistance are intended to help Taiwan defend itself and possibly deter China from launching an attack.
China’s Foreign Ministry issued a statement urging the United States to stop arming Taiwan and stop what it called “dangerous actions that undermine peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait,” according to a The Associated Press report.
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President Joe Biden approved $571 million in military aid to Taiwan on Saturday, December 21, 2024. (Reuters/Kevin Lamarque/File Photo)
The $571 million in military assistance approved by Biden includes DoD materials and services along with military education and training for Taiwan. The funds are in addition to the other $567 million the president approved through September.
The $295 million in military sales includes about $265 million for about 300 tactical radio systems and $30 million for 16 weapon mounts.
Taiwan’s foreign ministry said in a post on X that the two sales reaffirmed the US government’s “commitment to our defense.”
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Earlier this month, Taiwanese defense officials expressed concern over a substantial deployment of Chinese naval vessels and military aircraft, saying the build-up could end in war as tensions continue to rise in the region .
Officials said China had sent a dozen warships and 47 military aircraft into regional waters around the Taiwan Strait as the nation prepared for military exercises following Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te’s recent overseas trip that included visits to Hawaii and Guam, a North American territory.
Lai, who has been in office since May, spoke with US congressional leaders by phone while in Guam.
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Taiwan President Lai Ching-te visits soldiers and air force personnel in Hualien, Taiwan on May 28, 2024. (Reuters/Ann Wang)
Lai’s visit came weeks after the United States approved a potential $2 billion arms sales package to Taiwan, including the delivery of an advanced air defense missile system tested in Ukraine and radar systems . The potential package included three National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile Systems (NASAMS) and related equipment valued at up to $1.16 billion, according to the State Department’s Office of Military and Political Affairs.
The Chinese Communist government has vowed to annex Taiwan, by military force if necessary, and sends military ships and aircraft near the island almost daily.
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The US has repeatedly expressed its support for Taiwan through military agreements, operations and diplomatic interactions with Taiwanese officials.
Michael Dorgan of Fox News Digital and The Associated Press contributed to this report.
