TAIPEI (TVBS News) — The U.S. Department of State on Tuesday (Oct. 2) provided limited details on the U.S. latest military aid package to Taiwan, stating that the aid includes "critical defense stockpiles" and equipment to enhance Taiwan's current and future deterrence capabilities.
U.S. President Joe Biden on Monday (Sept. 30) announced a US$567 million (around NT$18.1 billion) military aid package to Taiwan, marking the highest Presidential Drawdown Authority (PDA) assistance to Taiwan to date.
The State Department emphasized that the 2023 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) authorizes the president to allocate up to US$1 billion annually in defense materials or services to Taiwan.
This latest aid package aligns with the U.S.'s longstanding commitment to help Taiwan maintain sufficient self-defense capabilities.
Richard Bush, former chairman of the American Institute in Taiwan (AIT), commented on the timing of the aid, suggesting that the complex and time-consuming preparation process likely led to its announcement now. He cautioned against interpreting the timing as politically or diplomatically motivated.
U.S. Defense News reported on Sept. 20 that the aid would fund training, stockpiles, anti-armor weapons, air defense, and multi-domain awareness, including drones, which are crucial for asymmetric strategies.
According to reports, the Pentagon is also drafting a third aid package for Taiwan, which is expected to be completed before Biden's term ends in January.
Following quality control issues with a previous aid package, the Pentagon has pledged to improve future PDA operations. This commitment comes after a report in mid-September revealed issues with moldy bulletproof vests and expired ammunition delivered to Taiwan last December.