The United States has approved military aid to Taiwan through a program typically used for sovereign states, a move likely to raise tensions with China, which considers Taiwan as its own territory.
According to a report by Al Jazeera dated August 31, 2023, the US Department of State informed Congress about an $80 million military aid package for Taiwan.
While this aid is relatively modest compared to recent military sales to Taiwan, it marks the first time that Washington has provided assistance to Taipei under the Foreign Military Financing (FMF) program, which typically involves grants or loans to sovereign countries.
This decision is expected to provoke a response from Beijing, which has not ruled out the use of force to assert control over Taiwan.
Despite having formal diplomatic relations with China for 50 years, the US remains a strong supporter of Taiwan and provides it with the weapons necessary for its defense.
The State Department clarified that this assistance under the FMF program does not imply recognition of Taiwan’s sovereignty.
A State Department spokesperson stated, “Consistent with the Taiwan Relations Act and our longstanding One China policy, the United States makes available to Taiwan defense articles and services necessary to enable it to maintain a sufficient self-defense capability.”
Taiwan’s defense ministry expressed gratitude for the aid, emphasizing that it contributes to regional peace and stability.
Over the past few years, Beijing has increased its military activities in the region surrounding Taiwan and attempted to diplomatically isolate the island, particularly since the election of President Tsai Ing-wen in 2016.
This move by the US comes as Taiwan is preparing for its next presidential election in January. Tsai Ing-wen and her deputy, William Lai, advocate for the people of Taiwan to have the right to determine their own future.
Notably, the US has previously provided military assistance under the FMF program only to a sovereign organization, the African Union, which is composed of sovereign states based in Ethiopia.
While the specifics of the military equipment covered by the FMF aid were not detailed in the notification to Congress, potential items include air and coastal defense systems, armored vehicles, drones, ballistic missile and cyber defenses, and advanced communications equipment. Training for Taiwanese military forces may also be supported through the FMF program.
Approval from Congress is needed for this assistance, and it is highly likely to receive widespread support from lawmakers of both parties who back Taiwan. Michael McCaul, a Republican congressman who chairs the House Foreign Affairs Committee, welcomed the aid, emphasizing that it would help strengthen US deterrence and national security against an increasingly aggressive Chinese Communist Party.
China and the US have recently engaged in discussions to stabilize their relationship, which has become more turbulent. However, Taiwan remains a contentious issue, with China conducting military exercises in response to interactions between Taiwanese leaders and US politicians.
by: Wordsmith