Beijing: As the United States Senate approved a substantial $8 billion aid package for Taiwan, China swiftly condemned the move, urging the US to restrain its support for the island nation.
“We firmly oppose the inclusion of Taiwan-related content in the relevant bill of the US Congress,” stated Zhu Fenglian, spokesperson for China’s Taiwan Affairs Office, as reported by FT from Beijing. “It sends a wrong signal to the Taiwan separatist forces. We urge the US side to fulfill its commitment not to support Taiwan independence with concrete actions and stop arming Taiwan in any way.”
These remarks surfaced in the wake of the Senate’s endorsement of a bill aimed at bolstering US military assistance to Taiwan, Ukraine, and Israel. China has persistently sought to assert its claim over Taiwan, viewing it as an integral part of its territory.
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Meanwhile, Taiwan has been actively fortifying its defense capabilities, with ongoing projects including the development of submarines and trainer jets. In the upcoming month, Taiwan plans to commission its third and fourth domestically designed and built stealth corvettes as part of its strategy of asymmetrical warfare, aimed at countering the Chinese navy through innovative tactics and weaponry.
Taiwan’s defense ministry disclosed on Sunday that approximately $1.9 billion is allocated for the replenishment of military equipment and training, while an additional $2 billion will be directed towards “foreign military financing” for regional countries, including Taiwan.
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Taiwan’s President-elect, Lai Ching-te, remarked on Tuesday that the $8 billion defense package approved by the US House of Representatives over the weekend will “strengthen the deterrence against authoritarianism in the West Pacific ally chain,” in a pointed reference to China, a key rival in the region.
The comprehensive aid package encompasses a diverse array of parts and services intended to maintain and enhance Taiwan’s military capabilities. Furthermore, Taiwan has entered into multi-billion-dollar contracts with the US for advanced F-16V fighter jets, M1 Abrams main battle tanks, and the HIMARS rocket system, mirroring the equipment provided to Ukraine.
