TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The Ministry of National Defense (MND) thanked the U.S. House of Representatives for approving supplemental funding for Taiwan included in a US$95 billion (NT$3.1 trillion) multi-bill aid package that also allocates assistance for Ukraine and Israel.
The bill, introduced by House Appropriations Chairman Tom Cole, sets aside US$8.12 billion for Taiwan and the Indo-Pacific region. Of that, US$2 billion in Foreign Military Financing Program goes to Taiwan and other U.S. regional security partners to counter Chinese aggression, and US$1.9 billion is for replenishing defense articles and defense services provided to Taiwan and regional partners.
Additionally, US$542 million is for bolstering U.S. military capabilities in the region.
This significant aid “demonstrates the unwavering support of the United States for Taiwan,” MND stated. The ministry said it will coordinate with the U.S. through communication mechanisms to determine the specifics of the funding and strengthen defense capabilities to ensure national security and peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait.
Cole said, “These measures protect our friends and partners, bolster American defense, and support the security of the free world. “
The funding comes as increased Chinese military activities around Taiwan have prompted MND to beef up defense capabilities and resilience. On Friday, the computer-assisted simulation portion of the Han Kuang 40 exercise began.
The live-fire segment of the exercise is scheduled for July. This year’s exercise incorporates current threats, the status of Taiwan’s military capabilities, and lessons from the Russia-Ukraine conflict and the conflict between Israel and Hamas, MND said at a press conference.
The primary focus of Han Kuang 40 is to evaluate Taiwan’s mechanisms for transitioning from peacetime to wartime. It will also gauge Taiwan’s defense resilience and its understanding of the rules of engagement and international law.
