US approves $567 million in defence support for Taiwan as Taipei is on alert after China's missile firing

The Joe Biden-led United States (US) administration on Sunday (Sep29)approved $567 million in defence support forTaiwan. This is the latest move by Washingtonto boost the island's military in the face of rising tensions with China.

The US isTaiwan's most important international backer and arms supplier even in the absence of formal diplomatic ties. China has repeatedly demanded Washington stop selling weapons to Taipei.

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In a statement, the White House said that President Joe Bidendelegated the Secretary of State the authority "to direct the drawdown of up to $567 million in defence articles and services of the Department of Defense, and military education and training, to provide assistance toTaiwan."

Taiwan on alert afterChina missile firing

This assistance by the US to Taiwan came as Taipei was on alertafter detecting "multiple waves" of missiles firing deep in inland China.

The Taiwanese defence ministry said thatstarting from 6.50 am (local time) on Saturday, it detected "multiple waves of firing" by China's Rocket Force and army in the provinces and regions of Inner Mongolia, Gansu, Qinghai and Xinjiang, which all lie at least 2,000 kilometres from Taiwan.

Taiwan's forces are "continuously monitoring relevant developments, and air defence forces have maintained a high level of vigilance and strengthened their alert", the ministry said in a statement.

Days earlier, China said that itcarried out a successful test launch of an intercontinental ballistic missile.

China, which views democratically governed Taiwanas its territory, has ramped up military and political pressure over the past five years to assert its claims, which Taipei strongly rejects.

Taiwan highlightsrenewed surge of Chinese military activity around island

Last week, Taiwan raised the alarmabout a renewed surge of Chinese military activity around the island and live fire drills, accusing Beijing of policy instability that presented a serious challenge to its neighbours, a report by the news agency Reuters said.

Also watch | WION Dispatch:Taiwan sounds alarm over renewed military threats from China

The defence ministry said that on Thursday,it had detected a second day of large-scale Chinese military activities nearby.

Beijing responded to Taipei's concerns by sayingthat its military drills in airspace and maritime areas aroundTaiwanwere legitimate and that it would continue to strengthen combat readiness and organise such exercises.

(With inputs from agencies)