WASHINGTON: United , States President Joe Biden on Friday ( Dec 20 )  , approved US$ 571.3 million in defence assistance for Taiwan, the White House said, as the Democrat prepares to leave office ahead of the January inauguration of Donald Trump.
The United States does never formally recognise Taiwan socially, but it is the self-ruled island’s strategic alliance and largest provider of weapons.
China has repeatedly urged Washington to stop providing arms and support to Taiwan, which it claims is a part of its territory, in response to the country’s new rise in political and military pressure.
According to Chinese officials, China conducted its biggest sea drills in a week, with 90 ships heading to the South China Sea from Japan’s southern islands.
Beijing did not confirm the training.
The White House stated in a quick statement that Biden had authorized his secretary of state to “direct the discharge of up to US$ 571.3 million in security content and services, military education and training, and offer assistance to Taiwan.”
The military aid deal, which comes less than three weeks after a similar deal worth US$ 567 million was authorized, was never disclosed in the speech.
Beijing has frequently expressed outrage over Taipei’s help abroad and accused Washington of interfering with its interests.
China maintains a near-daily appearance of fighter jet, drones and vessels around the area.
Beijing has said it did not abandon the use of pressure to provide Taiwan under its power, and has also stepped up speech about “unification” being “inevitable”.
China has “amplified” its political, political and military force against Taiwan in 2023, a US Pentagon document released this year said.