Taiwan Seeks US Funding as Chinese Warplanes Slowly Approach the Country

By Thea Felicity

Apr 21, 2024 11:50 AM EDT

TAIWAN-US-CHINA-POLITICS-DIPLOMACY-AIT
A general view shows the American Institute in Taiwan (AIT) new office complex in Taipei on June 12, 2018. - Washington on June 12 unveiled a multi-million-dollar new complex for its de facto embassy in Taiwan in what is hailed as a "milestone" in relations, a declaration likely to rile China.
(Photo : SAM YEH/AFP via Getty Images)

In the latest development concerning geopolitical tensions in the Asia-Pacific region, Taiwan's military has announced plans to engage in discussions with the United States regarding the use of newly allocated funding from the $95 billion package for Taipei, according to CNBC.

This decision comes after reports of escalating military maneuvers by China, with 14 Chinese military aircraft recently breaching the sensitive median line of the Taiwan Strait.

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Taiwan-US Relation Against China

Despite lacking formal diplomatic ties, the United States remains Taiwan's most important international ally and arms supplier. The $95 billion legislative package primarily aims to assist Ukraine and Israel. However, a portion of this funding is also designated for Taiwan. The exact amount allocated for Taiwan has not yet been specified.

Besides legislative moves, US arms dealers have also expressed support for Taiwan, VCPost reported that China was not happy about the transaction, therefore hitting the said arms dealer with sanctions in retaliation. 

However, recently, Taiwan has voiced concerns over delays in the delivery of US weapons, such as Stinger anti-aircraft missiles, attributing these delays to manufacturers prioritizing supplies to Ukraine amidst its conflict with Russia.

Taiwan's defense ministry thanks the US for its continued support, underlining the importance of combat readiness capabilities to protect national security and maintain peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait. 

Now, China's aggressive military posturing in the region remains a cause for alarm, with the recent airspace violations further worsening the tension. Despite historical agreements regarding the median line of the Taiwan Strait, China's air force has routinely disregarded these boundaries, escalating military encounters with Taiwan. 

While Taiwan's armed forces remain vigilant and capable of responding to such provocations, lawmakers have condemned China's actions as provocative and irresponsible.

READ MORE: China's Foreign Minister Urges the US to Lift Sanctions on Chinese Companies

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