China has warned the United States that it is taking “dangerous measures” 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 US Department of Defense announced on Friday that $295 million in military sales had been approved for the autonomous island of Taiwan.
The US sales and assistance are intended to help Taiwan defend itself and possibly deter China from launching an attack.
The Chinese Foreign Ministry issued a statement urging the United States to stop arming Taiwan and end what it called “dangerous measures that undermine peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait,” according to a report by The Associated Press. .
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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 approved by Biden in military assistance includes Department of Defense materials and services along with military education and training for Taiwan. The funds are in addition to another $567 million that the president approved for the same purposes in September.
The $295 million in military sales includes about $265 million for about 300 tactical radio systems and $30 million for 16 weapon racks.
Taiwan’s Foreign Ministry said in a post on X that the two sales reaffirmed the U.S. government’s “commitment to our defense.”
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Earlier this month, Taiwanese defense officials expressed concern about a substantial deployment of Chinese warships and military aircraft, saying the buildup could eventually lead to war as tensions continue to rise in the region.
Officials said China had sent about a dozen ships and 47 military aircraft to 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 US territory.
Lai, who has held the position since May, spoke by phone with U.S. congressional leaders while in Guam.
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Taiwan President Lai Ching-te visits soldiers and air force personnel in Hualien, Taiwan, 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 Bureau of Political-Military Affairs.
The Chinese communist government has pledged to annex Taiwan, using military force if necessary, and sends military ships and planes near the island almost daily.
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The United States 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.
