Washington: The Pentagon announced yesterday that US State Department has approved US$108 million in military aid to support Taiwan's resistance to the threat of Chinese invasion.

Taiwan requested the latest assistance, including spare and repair parts for tanks and combat vehicles, and US government and contractor technical and logistical support, the Pentagon said.

"The proposed sale will contribute to the sustainment of the recipient's vehicles, small arms, combat weapon systems and logistical support items, enhancing its ability to meet current and future threats," the Pentagon's Defense Security Cooperation Agency said in a statement.

It would also enhance Taiwan's military interoperability with the United States and other allies, and the island's armed forces would have no difficulty absorbing the equipment and support, it added.

The United States has only unofficial relations with Taipei but US law requires Washington to provide Taiwan with the means to defend itself, and President Joe Biden's administration has vowed to step up engagement with the island.

China sees Taiwan as part of its territory and has never renounced the use of force to bring the island under its control.

Recently, the democratically governed Taiwan has complained of increased military pressure from Beijing to try and force it to accept Chinese sovereignty.

Some US business groups, have criticised the Biden administration's Taiwan arms sales policy, arguing it was too restrictive and failed to address challenges posed by China's military.

US-Taiwan Business Council president Rupert Hammond-Chambers welcomed the announcement in a statement, but said it was a sign the administration was focused on sustainment and munitions support for Taiwan and that force modernisation of its military "is no longer a priority".

-ABC