U.S. announces $567 million military aid package for Taiwan

Taiwanese soldiers exit an amphibious assault vehicle to another position during a landing drill as part of the Han Kuang military exercise in Pingtung, Taiwan, in July 2022. Under the 1979 Taiwan Relations Act, the U.S. is bound by law to sell arms to Taiwan for its self-defense. | REUTERS

by JESSE JOHNSON
September 30, 2024

The United States will soon send one of its largest-ever security assistance packages to Taiwan — nearly $570 million — the White House said late Monday in a move sure to anger China.

Washington, Taipei’s biggest and most important backer despite a lack of bilateral ties, will use its fastest tool available to deliver the aid to Taiwan, as the democratic island grapples with ramped-up military moves by China in the waters and airspace nearby.

Beijing — which claims Taiwan as a renegade province and has vowed to unify the island with the mainland, by force if necessary — has steadfastly demanded that Washington halt weapons sales to Taipei.