Defense Secretary Austin says U.S. stands with countries fighting China’s ‘bullying behavior’
PBS NewsHourAug 03, 2023
The Facts
On Friday, the US announced a new $345M military aid package for Taiwan.
While the White House didn't elaborate on the package's details, the aid is expected to include "defence [sic] articles," military education and training, portable air defense systems, small arms munitions, and reconnaissance equipment.
The Spin
Anti-China narrative
The latest military aid package is crucial as China takes an increasingly aggressive stance toward the self-ruled island. Any conflict in the region would gravely weaken the US' position and allow the PRC to take one step further towards global hegemony, which is why Washington must speed up the delivery of weapons to help the island defend itself.
Pro-China narrative
Though the US doesn't officially recognize Taiwan, it wants to boost its defenses just to weaken the one-China principle it claims to acknowledge. Under the pretense of providing self-defense, Washington is turning Taiwan into an ammunition depot, creating more volatility in the region.
