US Provides Military Aid to Taiwan Amid Growing Concerns Over China’s Threat
In a significant shift in US policy, President Joe Biden recently approved an $80 million grant to Taiwan for the purchase of American military equipment. The move has drawn sharp criticism from China, which has always opposed any military support for Taiwan.
What makes this grant noteworthy is that it marks the first time in over four decades that the United States is using its own funds to send weapons to Taiwan, a territory it officially does not recognize. This change is happening through a program called foreign military finance (FMF).
Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the FMF program has been used to provide around $4 billion in military aid to Kyiv.
While this program has aided other nations like Afghanistan, Iraq, Israel, and Egypt, it had previously been reserved for countries or organizations recognized by the United Nations. Taiwan does not hold UN recognition.
For years, the US had maintained a delicate balance in its relationship with Taiwan, providing just enough military support for self-defense without destabilizing its relations with Beijing.
This approach, known as “strategic ambiguity,” allowed the US to maintain strong ties with Taiwan while conducting business with China. However, the military balance across the Taiwan Strait has shifted in China’s favor over the past decade, prompting the US to reconsider its approach.
Despite US claims that its policy has not fundamentally changed, it is evident in Taipei that the relationship between the US and Taiwan is evolving.
The urgency with which the US is pushing Taiwan to enhance its military capabilities indicates a shift in strategy. Taiwan, outmatched by China, requires assistance to bolster its defense.
According to Wang Ting-yu, a legislator with close ties to Taiwan’s leadership, the $80 million is just the beginning of what could be a much larger financial commitment from the US, potentially reaching up to $10 billion over the next five years.
Unlike traditional arms deals, the FMF program allows the US to provide weapons directly from its own stocks, expediting the process.
Taiwan faces several military challenges, such as an outdated army structure, insufficient modern missile systems, and a broken military conscription system.
Despite a recent increase in the duration of military service, many young conscripts complain about inadequate training and outdated equipment.
Recognizing the urgency of the situation, the US has also begun retraining Taiwan’s army, which has been neglected for decades.
In response to the changing military landscape, Taiwan is shifting to a “fortress Taiwan” strategy, focusing on ground troops, infantry, and artillery to defend against potential Chinese aggression.
The rising influence of Xi Jinping’s nationalism, coupled with Russia’s actions in Ukraine, has upended the previous assumptions about the stability of the Taiwan Strait.
The lessons learned from Ukraine’s conflict have shown the importance of artillery and the need for modern equipment, as Taiwan’s artillery troops still use outdated guns.
As the situation evolves, Taiwan’s ability to deter China is increasingly questioned, prompting discussions in Washington about how far the US should go in supporting Taiwan.
The international community is also reevaluating its stance on Taiwan, given China’s expansionist behavior in the South China Sea and the East China Sea.
In the face of these shifts, Taiwan’s security is becoming intricately connected to the broader geopolitical landscape of the region.
As alliances and partnerships evolve, Taiwan is no longer isolated, and its importance in the international community is on the rise. The future of Taiwan’s security remains uncertain, but it is clear that the issue is gaining greater attention on the global stage.
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