The Biden administration has granted funding for the unprecedented transfer of U.S. military equipment to Taiwan, a move typically reserved for independent sovereign nations. This package, part of the State Department’s Foreign Military Financing (FMF) program, amounts to millions of dollars and will be covered by U.S. taxpayers.
This recent development in ongoing U.S. support for Taiwan has elicited a strong reaction from China, which asserts territorial claims over the self-governing island. China’s Foreign Ministry expressed deep dissatisfaction and firm opposition to the arms sale, alleging that it has infringed upon China’s sovereignty and security interests and has disrupted peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait region.
The sale encompasses a wide range of capabilities, including air and coastal defense systems, ballistic missile defense, cyber defense, drones, military training, individual soldier protective gear, and ammunition. It may take several months or even years for the military support to reach Taiwan, as the equipment will be integrated into future Pentagon acquisitions.
Previously, the United States has supplied arms to Taiwan through a distinct program known as Foreign Military Sales (FMS). The FMF Program will provide grant assistance to facilitate these purchases for Taiwan. The Taiwan Enhanced Resilience Act, passed last year, authorizes the U.S. government to allocate up to $1 billion annually in military grant assistance to the island from the present year until a specified year.
House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Michael McCaul welcomed the approval of this arms sale, emphasizing that the weapons will not only bolster Taiwan’s defense but also enhance regional democratic allies’ security and contribute to U.S. national security amid rising regional challenges.
