US Approves Historic Military Aid to Taiwan, China Expresses Displeasure
China has expressed strong opposition to the US military transfer to Taiwan, which marks the first-ever use of the Foreign Military Financing program for the island. China claims that the transfer violates the one-China principle and the three China-US joint communiques. The US State Department notified Congress of an $80 million package to strengthen Taiwan's self-defense capabilities. While US officials maintain that this does not indicate a change in policy, China has urged the US to stop enhancing military connections and arming Taiwan. The exact weapons and equipment in the package are unknown but could include air and coastal defense systems, armed vehicles, ballistic missile and cyber defenses, ammunition, or training support.