Washington - The Biden administration of the United States has granted approval for a military transfer to Taiwan through the Foreign Military Financing (FMF) program, which is typically reserved for sovereign nations. A communication sent to Congress outlined this decision, and Reuters obtained the notification on Wednesday. The message conveyed the State Department's intent to allocate as much as $80 million in FMF funds to support Taiwan.
The notification clarified that the FMF funds would be utilized to enhance Taiwan's self-defense capabilities by reinforcing joint and combined defense measures, as well as improving maritime domain awareness and maritime security capabilities.
While Taiwan's defense ministry expressed gratitude for the assistance, it refrained from commenting on the specifics of the aid package. The ministry acknowledged that the United States had already been aiding in the enhancement of the island's combat capabilities within the framework of existing policies and laws.
The news about Taiwan's FMF approval was initially disclosed by the Associated Press. Representative Michael McCaul, the Republican chairman of the House of Representatives Foreign Affairs Committee, welcomed the decision, noting that this aid would not only benefit Taiwan and other democratic nations in the region but also contribute to the United States' deterrence strategy against an increasingly assertive Chinese Communist Party.
The FMF program, managed by the State Department, is the largest military assistance account and primarily extends grant assistance to foreign governments for purchasing U.S. defense equipment and receiving military training through the Foreign Military Sales program.
A State Department official confirmed the congressional notification and emphasized that this decision did not signal a shift in U.S. policy regarding Taiwan.
China claims Taiwan as part of its territory, despite the island's democratic governance. Beijing cautions against official exchanges between the United States and Taiwan. However, Taiwan rejects China's sovereignty assertions and maintains that the destiny of its people should be determined solely by them.
China has frequently expressed concerns to the United States about military support and sales to Taiwan. The Chinese defense ministry has called for the cessation of all forms of military collaboration between the United States and Taiwan.
As the primary arms provider for Taiwan, the United States recently announced a weapons aid package worth up to $345 million for the island. Moreover, the U.S. has also approved a potential $500 million sale of infrared search and track systems for F-16 fighter jets to Taiwan, along with other associated equipment.