US announces US$345mn military aid package for Taiwan
The United States unveiled a Taiwan weapons aid package worth up to US$345 million on Friday, with the Biden administration declining to publicly provide details on the arms in the package.  Beijing has repeatedly demanded the United States halt the sale of weapons to the island. Just before Washington announced the package, a Chinese defence spokesperson had slammed the United States for intensifying its military ties with the island. Ministry of National Defense spokesperson, Tan Kefei, said such actions seriously undermine China's national sovereignty and security, as well as threaten peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait. The People's Liberation Army pays close attention to the situation in the Taiwan Strait and will continue to take decisive and effective measures to protect China's sovereignty and territorial integrity, he added. A statement from the White House announced the package of "defence articles and services of the Department of Defense, and military education and training, to provide assistance to Taiwan". A US official said earlier, on condition of anonymity, that the aid would feature intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance equipment and small arms munitions. (Agencies)