US President Joe Biden on Wednesday signed into law an aid package that is to provide US$95 billion in funding for military assistance to Taiwan, Ukraine and Israel, foreign media reports said.
Under the package, US$8.1 billion is to be allocated for Indo-Pacific security, including US$2 billion in foreign military financing for Taiwan and other key allies in the region; US$1.9 billion to replenish defense articles and defense services provided to Taiwan and regional partners; and US$542 million to strengthen US military capabilities in the region.
It would also provide nearly US$61 billion in military aid to Ukraine, US$26 billion to Israel and funding for humanitarian aid to Gaza and elsewhere.
Photo: EPA-EFE
In Taipei, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs yesterday again expressed its appreciation to the US Congress for the importance it places on Taiwan-US security cooperation and maintaining peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.
On the 45th year of the Taiwan Relations Act, the US Congress has again honored its rock-solid commitment to Taiwan’s security, the ministry said.
Taiwan will continue to enhance its close cooperation with the US and other like-minded nations to jointly safeguard the rules-based international order, and preserve peace, stability and prosperity across the Taiwan Strait and in the region, it said.
The Presidential Office also thanked the US for demonstrating through concrete actions its support for enhancing Taiwan-US security cooperation, and maintaining peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.
Taiwan has the ability and willingness to work with the US and the international community to strengthen democracy and face the expanding threat of authoritarianism, Presidential Office spokesperson Olivia Lin (林聿禪) said yesterday.
The bill was passed in the US Senate on Tuesday with a 79-18 vote, easily clearing the 60-vote threshold needed to pass most legislation in the chamber, after a months-long delay in the US House of Representatives due to disagreements over the issue of foreign aid.
The American Chamber of Commerce in Taiwan (AmCham Taiwan) on Wednesday applauded the aid package, saying that the “decisive” action reinforces the US’ commitment to global leadership and its unwavering support for democracies facing “intimidation from authoritarian regimes.”
“We are particularly gratified by the significant support for Taiwan and regional neighbors included in this package,” AmCham chairman Dan Silver said in a statement. “This vital assistance will contribute to regional stability and help sustain the right environment for economic and business growth.”
Additional reporting by Chen Yun
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