The White House confirmed today that the United States will provide military aid to Taiwan worth up to $345 million.
In recent weeks, four sources told Reuters that the package is expected to include four MQ-9A reconnaissance drones. However, the official announcement did not include a list of the weapon systems that will be provided to Taiwan.
Earlier this month, U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman General Mark Milley stated that it is necessary for the United States and its allies to expedite the delivery of weapons to Taiwan in the coming years to help the island defend itself.
Congress had approved up to $1 billion in weapons aid for Taiwan in the 2023 budget under presidential drawdown authority, which allows the government to provide emergency military assistance to U.S. allies and partners in times of crisis.
Taiwan strongly rejects China's claims of sovereignty over it. Meanwhile, Beijing has repeatedly urged the United States, the main arms supplier to Taiwan, to stop selling weapons to the island.
