Military aid to Taiwan was halted by Trump in pursuit of a trade agreement with China.
The relationship between the United States and Taiwan has seen a significant shift in recent times, with the latest developments pointing towards a potential change in U.S. policy towards the island nation.
In a move that has raised eyebrows, President Biden approved a $571 million aid package of weapons for Taiwan before leaving office. This decision is seen as a signal of a new approach towards Taiwan, marking a departure from the previous administration's stance.
However, the Trump administration's policy towards Taiwan was markedly different. President Trump refused to approve a $400 million military aid package for Taiwan, reportedly due to trade talks with China and a potential meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping. The blocked aid package was more lethal than previous ones, including ammunition and drones.
Trump's administration believed that Taiwan, with its large and prosperous economy, should pay for U.S. weapon supplies, similar to European countries. Contrary to this, the Biden administration's decision to provide aid without stipulating payment could be a sign of a more supportive policy towards Taiwan.
China, which claims Taiwan as its territory, has been responding to these developments with increased military activity. U.S. intelligence reports indicate that Xi Jinping has ordered the People's Liberation Army (PLA) to boost forces and conduct more complex drills around Taiwan. The goal of these drills, according to U.S. intelligence, is to prepare for Taiwan's takeover by 2027.
Despite these tensions, the specifics of any potential meetings between Trump and Xi Jinping, or the details of trade talks between the U.S. and China, have not been disclosed.
It is important to note that the U.S. has been strengthening Taiwan's defense by sending weapons, with an annual allocation of $1 billion from Congress. However, the current administration's stance on this matter is not specified in the article.
In a surprising turn of events, Trump himself repeatedly stated that China would not invade Taiwan while he was president. This statement, along with the recent developments, paints a complex picture of the evolving relationship between the U.S., Taiwan, and China.
As these events unfold, it remains to be seen how the U.S. will navigate this delicate balance and what the future holds for Taiwan's security and autonomy.
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