The US has announced a new weapons package for Taiwan worth up to $345 million, a move that is likely to anger Beijing and potentially strain the US-China relationship. This package, the first to be transferred to Taiwan under the Presidential Drawdown Authority, allows the US to pull weapons and other stocks directly from its Defense Department inventories. The contents of the package have not been detailed but are expected to include self-defense capabilities to bolster deterrence, critical defensive stockpiles, multi-domain awareness, and anti-armor and air defense capabilities.
The Pentagon spokesperson, Lt. Col. Martin Meiners, emphasized that this move does not signal a change in the US policy towards Taiwan and that the US remains committed to the One China policy and the Taiwan Relations Act. The Ministry of National Defense in Taiwan expressed gratitude to the US for its commitment to Taiwan’s security and stated that both countries will continue to work closely on security issues to ensure peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait.
Previously, Taiwan had to purchase weapons from the US, which took more time. However, this new drawdown package allows for a quicker transfer of inventory. Taiwan’s recent purchase included $332.2 million worth of ammunition and related equipment, along with $108 million of logistics support.
Talks for this new weapons package had been ongoing since early May, with the Taiwanese defense minister stating that it would make up for delays in the delivery of other weapons, some of which had been diverted to fulfill the urgent needs of Ukraine. The package was initially delayed due to an accounting error, but it is now finally being implemented.
The timing of this announcement is significant, as the Biden administration has been trying to reset its relationship with China and pursue diplomatic progress. Secretary of State Antony Blinken recently visited Beijing, and Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen also paid a visit. These visits were aimed at improving and stabilizing relations between the two superpowers.
