US to Supply $345M Weapons Package to Taiwan

The United States has revealed a weapons aid package for Taiwan valued at approximately $345 million. The move is expected to provoke China’s displeasure, although the Biden administration has chosen not to disclose the specific armaments in the package.

In the 2023 budget, Congress authorized up to $1 billion in weapons aid for Taiwan through the Presidential Drawdown Authority, despite China’s objections. The package is believed to include four MQ-9A reconnaissance drones, although there are concerns about removing certain advanced equipment accessible only to the US Air Force from these drones.

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Taiwan’s defense ministry expressed gratitude for the US’s strong security commitment but refrained from providing details of the package due to an understanding between the two nations.

China claims Taiwan as part of its territory and has increased military pressure on the island in recent years. Taiwan rejects China’s sovereignty claims and emphasizes that the island’s future should be decided by its own people.

The Presidential Drawdown Authority, which allows the swift transfer of security assistance, was approved by Congress last year for Taiwan and has also been used to aid Ukraine.