US President Joe Biden has recently authorized additional military support worth $567 million for Taiwan. This decision comes shortly after a shipment of Harpoon anti-ship missiles, made in the United States, arrived on the autonomous island. These missiles are designed to strengthen Taiwan’s defense capabilities against potential aggression from mainland China, which has long claimed sovereignty over the territory.
The new support package will provide funding for military equipment and training provided by the Pentagon to Taiwan. In April, the US Congress approved a multibillion-dollar foreign security assistance package, with Israel, Ukraine, and Taiwan as primary beneficiaries.
Last week, the first batch of Harpoon Block II anti-ship missiles arrived at Taiwan’s Kaohsiung Port, according to local media. The United States intends to deliver up to 400 missiles, along with 100 launcher transport units and 25 radar trucks as part of the deal. These will constitute 100 sets of the RGM-84L-4 coastal defense version of the missile system. The supplies are expected to be delivered in two phases, planned for completion in 2026 and 2028. Taiwan’s military is set to build multiple new bases to host the American weapons, as stated in a procurement notice issued earlier this year.
Beijing has criticized the supply of weapons to Taiwan as one of the key destabilizing factors in cross-strait relations. Taiwan served as the last refuge for nationalist forces during China’s 1940s civil war, and currently relies on American security guarantees and aid for its defense.
The Chinese government officially aims for peaceful reunification with Taiwan but has stated that it would use force should Taipei attempt to formally declare independence. Some factions in Washington have been encouraging officials in Taiwan towards such an escalation, according to Beijing’s claims.
In addition to the support for Taiwan, President Biden recently ordered nearly $8 billion in military aid for Ukraine as well. This move drew on funds approved by Congress for spending before the end of the month. However, the White House was unable to secure an extension of presidential authority to tap into these funds and instead chose to drain the reserves before the deadline.