TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The US has released US$5.3 billion (NT$173.78 billion) in previously frozen aid funding, including money for Taiwan and other security concerns, according to media reports.

Reuters reported on Friday that a list of exemptions to the aid freeze imposed by US President Donald Trump was approved by Trump's administration on Feb. 13. Security exemptions included US$870 million for Taiwan, US$336 for the Phillippines, and over US$21.5 million for Ukraine.

The report did not say what the Taiwan aid payment was designated for. Taiwan's foreign ministry and the US State Department did not respond to Taiwan News’ queries about the Reuters report by press time. 

Taiwan’s representative to the US Alexander Ta-Ray Yui (俞大㵢) acknowledged US aid to Taiwan had been frozen in early February. Regarding military aid, Yui said the representative office does not discuss this with the US side.

In contrast to security aid, civilian aid and development assistance received less than US$100 million in exemptions. Trump ordered the 90-day pause on foreign aid soon after he took office on Jan. 20.