US Approves $567 Million in Defense Assistance for Taiwan Amid China’s Pressure

The United States has approved a significant increase in defense assistance for Taiwan, worth $567 million, in a move that is likely to escalate tensions with China. The decision comes as China continues to exert political and military pressure on the self-ruled island, which it claims as its own territory.

The defense assistance package, which is nearly twice the size of the $345 million approved last year, will provide Taiwan with defense articles and services, as well as military education and training. The exact details of the package have not been disclosed, but it is likely to include a range of military equipment and supplies.

The United States has a long-standing relationship with Taiwan, and has been a major provider of weapons to the island. However, China has repeatedly called on Washington to stop arming Taiwan, and has accused the US of meddling in its affairs. Beijing has also maintained a near-daily presence of fighter jets, drones, and warships around the island, and has warned that it will never renounce the use of force to bring Taiwan under its control.

China’s foreign ministry has warned the US that arming Taiwan will "backfire," and urged Washington to stop providing military aid to the island. Spokesman Lin Jian said that the US’s insistence on supporting Taiwan independence with weapons will only lead to self-inflicted consequences.

The approval of the defense assistance package is likely to further strain relations between the US and China, which have been deteriorating in recent months. The US has been critical of China’s military expansion in the South China Sea, and has called on Beijing to respect international law and the rights of other countries in the region.

In response to the news, Taiwan’s foreign ministry thanked the US for its continued support, and reiterated its commitment to maintaining good relations with the US. The ministry also expressed concern over China’s increased military activity around the island, and called on Beijing to reduce tensions and promote peace and stability in the region.

The approval of the defense assistance package is a significant development in the ongoing tensions between the US and China over Taiwan. It is likely to be closely watched by observers in the region, and could have significant implications for the future of US-China relations.