Biden directs $345 million in weapons for Taiwan
by Laura Kelly - 07/28/23 6:19 PM ET
President Biden on Friday announced $345 million in military assistance for Taiwan, using an authority from Congress that draws weapons directly from U.S. stockpiles.
The announcement was first published as a memorandum to the Secretary of State, directing the drawdown of “defense articles and services of the Department of Defense, and military education and training, to provide assistance to Taiwan.”
The package is said to include intelligence and surveillance capabilities, man-portable air defense systems (MANPADS), firearms and missiles, according to a congressional staffer familiar with the package.
Biden authorized the weapons transfer to Taiwan using a Presidential Drawdown Authority (PDA) that Congress approved last year.
National Security Council Spokesperson John Kirby told reporters to “stay tuned” when asked Friday when the White House was going to make the announcement.
“Obviously we take our responsibilities to Taiwan and to improving their self defense capabilities very, very seriously,” he said. “Nothing’s changed about that. And we’ll continue to look for ways to do that.”
The U.S. is working to outfit Taiwan with enough military capabilities to deter the People’s Republic of China (PRC) from carrying out an invasion or blockade against the island. U.S. officials have warned that Beijing is readying its military to have the capability to move against the island by 2027.
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https://thehill.com/policy/defense/4125844-biden-taiwan-345-million-weapons-transfer/
