In a move signaling ongoing support for Taiwan's defense capabilities, the administration of U.S. President Joe Biden has granted approval for a military transfer using the Foreign Military Financing (FMF) program. This program, typically utilized for sovereign nations, will be employed to facilitate the transfer.

According to a notification shared with Reuters, the State Department has communicated its intent to allocate an amount of up to $80 million from the FMF funds to bolster Taiwan's military efforts. This measure underscores the commitment of the United States to enhance Taiwan's security.

"FMF will be used to strengthen Taiwan's self-defense capabilities through joint and combined defense capability and enhanced maritime domain awareness and maritime security capability," the notification said.

According to a notification disclosed to Congress, Taiwan's defense ministry expressed gratitude for the U.S.'s approval of military aid under the Foreign Military Financing (FMF) program. However, the ministry refrained from commenting on the specifics of the assistance. It highlighted that the United States has been actively contributing to reinforcing Taiwan's combat capabilities within the framework of prevailing policies and laws. This information was initially reported by the Associated Press.

Representative Michael McCaul, the Republican chairman of the House of Representatives Foreign Affairs Committee, welcomed the decision, stating he was pleased that the administration was "finally" extending FMF support to Taiwan. McCaul emphasized that these provisions would not only benefit Taiwan's defense but also bolster regional democracies' security against an increasingly assertive Chinese Communist Party (CCP).

The Foreign Military Financing (FMF) program, managed by the State Department, constitutes the largest military assistance account. It primarily provides grant aid to foreign governments, enabling them to procure U.S. defense equipment and receive military training through the Foreign Military Sales program.

A State Department official confirmed the transmission of the notification to Congress and underscored that the decision to provide FMF assistance to Taiwan did not signify any shift in U.S. policy.

China asserts territorial claim over Taiwan, a self-governed democracy, and opposes official interactions between the U.S. and Taipei. In response, Taiwan rejects China's sovereignty assertions and underscores the right of its populace to determine their own future.

China has frequently expressed discontent with U.S. military aid and sales to Taiwan, urging the cessation of all "military collusion" between the U.S. and the island.

As Taiwan's foremost arms supplier, the United States recently unveiled a weapons aid package for Taiwan worth potentially up to $345 million. Furthermore, last week, the U.S. approved a potential $500 million sale of infrared search and track systems for F-16 fighter jets, along with other equipment to Taiwan.

This report was filed by Patricia Zengerle in Washington, with additional contributions from Ben Blanchard in Taipei.

Image source: Reuters