On December 20, 2024, President Joe Biden authorized $571.3 million in defense assistance for Taiwan, as announced by the White House. This decision allows the Secretary of State to disburse funds for defense articles and military training aimed at supporting the autonomous island.
Despite not having formal diplomatic recognition, the United States remains Taiwan's strategic ally and primary arms supplier. This announcement comes as China has intensified its military and political pressure on Taiwan, demanding that Washington cease its arms support.
In a related development, Taiwanese officials reported that China conducted its largest maritime exercises in years last week, involving approximately 90 ships operating from the southern Japanese islands to the South China Sea. Beijing has not confirmed these exercises.
The White House did not provide specific details regarding the military assistance package, which follows a similar authorization of $567 million less than three months ago. China has consistently expressed its displeasure over international support for Taipei, accusing the U.S. of interfering in its internal affairs.