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The People’s Republic of China has alleged the US is “trapped in a Cold War mindset” and “delusions of hegemony” after US President Joe Biden approved a foreign assistance package to Taiwan.
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The US president recently approved a drawdown of up to $345 million in defence articles and services of the Department of Defense, military education and training to provide assistance to Taiwan under the Foreign Assistance Act.
The White House announcement, published on 28 July, did not include details of weapon systems being provided to Taiwan.
Pentagon press secretary Air Force Brigadier General Pat Ryder said the US Department of Defense is not able to provide additional information at this time on the assistance package and could not confirm if the package included reported military drone technology.
“The reason why we are being more circumspect on this is due to operation security on the part of the Taiwanese as well as sensitivity to the diplomatic situation,” he said during a press briefing on 1 August.
People’s Republic of China Ministry of National Defense spokesperson Senior Colonel Tan Kefei said the Biden administration’s first use of presidential drawdown authority to provide military assistance to Taiwan is a red line that cannot be crossed in China-US relations.
“The US’s act of providing military aid to China’s Taiwan region grossly interferes in China’s internal affairs, seriously undermines China’s sovereignty and security interests, and gravely threatens peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait,” he said.
“China is firmly opposed to this and has lodged stern representations with the US.
“We urge the US side to stop all forms of military collusion with Taiwan and avoid going further down the wrong and dangerous path.
“The wheel of history rolls on towards China’s reunification, and it will not be stopped by any individual or any force.
“The Chinese PLA will closely follow the situation across the Taiwan Strait, always stay on high alert, resolutely defend national sovereignty and territorial integrity, and firmly safeguard peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait.”
