Additional Coverage:
- The US is gearing up to send Taiwan its largest-ever security package, officials say, as China threat grows (newsbreak.com)
US to Provide Record Military Aid to Taiwan
The United States is set to send Taiwan $567 million in military aid, making it the largest aid package ever to the island nation. The aid aims to bolster Taiwan’s defenses against potential threats from China, which has increased its military activity around Taiwan.
The package includes air defenses, multi-domain awareness, anti-armor weaponry, training, and drones. It will be delivered using the fastest available approach by shipping from US stockpiles.
Concerns Over Chinese Invasion
Concerns about a Chinese invasion of Taiwan have grown in recent years. China has rapidly modernized its armed forces and conducted drills around Taiwan, indicating potential plans to seize the island by force.
China’s Growing Military Activity
Taiwan’s defense minister has expressed concerns about the increasing scale of China’s military activity, making it harder to detect early signs of an attack. China’s aircraft, vessels, and ships now operate around Taiwan almost daily, sometimes crossing the median line in the Taiwan Strait.
US Deterrence Strategy
For decades, the US has maintained "strategic ambiguity" towards Taiwan, not explicitly stating whether it would come to its aid in case of an attack. However, recent statements by President Biden suggest a shift towards greater hawkishness. The US has repeatedly stated that it would respond militarily if China attacked Taiwan.