September, Friday 20, 2024

United States is discreetly supplying Taiwan with ample weapons


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China has expressed its opposition to the recent $80 million grant provided by the US to Taiwan for the purchase of American military equipment. Although this may seem like a small sum in comparison to the billions of dollars' worth of military equipment already ordered by Taiwan, it represents a significant shift in the US approach towards the island. Traditionally, the US has sold weapons to Taiwan under the Taiwan Relations Act, which aimed to maintain a delicate balance between providing enough weapons for Taiwan's self-defense without destabilizing US-China relations. However, the military balance has shifted dramatically in China's favor in recent years, and Taiwan is now in urgent need of military support. This grant, which comes from American taxpayers, signifies a redefinition of the US-Taiwan relationship. It is the first time in over 40 years that the US is using its own funds to send weapons to Taiwan. This new development is part of a larger effort to improve Taiwan's military capacity, with the US potentially providing up to $10 billion over the next five years. The urgency to re-arm Taiwan is evident, as the island is currently outmatched by China. The US denies that this financial support implies any recognition of Taiwan, but it is clear that the US is sending a strong message to Beijing and redefining its relationship with the island.