The US Senate has approved a defense authorization bill that will provide Taiwan with up to US$10 billion of military aid over five years. Taiwan's defense ministry made the announcement in a press release on Friday.
The ministry expressed their gratitude for US support. It said the support would help to ensure peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. The ministry added it will also allow Taiwan's army to prepare for future military threats and safeguard national security.
The bill was passed by a vote of 83 to 11. It will take effect after US President Joe Biden has signed. The bill also hopes to expedite Taiwan's military purchases.
Exact numbers on how funds will be allocated are still uncertain and will depend on the following appropriation bill.
The defense ministry also announced that an agreement was signed with the American Institute in Taiwan procuring NTD$3.4 billion worth of spare ship parts. The institute is the de facto US embassy in the absence of diplomatic ties between Taiwan and the US.
These advancements in defense come as a relief after Chinese military exercises around Taiwan continue to increase the threat of invasion.