In a move that has further escalated tensions between China and the United States, the Biden administration unveiled a sweeping military aid package for Taiwan on Friday. The $345 million package aims to bolster Taiwan's defense capabilities by drawing from existing US military stockpiles. However, China has staunchly opposed this aid, accusing the US of turning Taiwan into an "ammunition depot" and aggravating the threat of war in the Taiwan Strait.

China's Taiwan Affairs Office issued a statement late Saturday, expressing its firm opposition to the military aid. Chen Binhua, a spokesperson for the Taiwan Affairs Office, emphasized that no amount of taxpayer money or US weapons would shake China's resolve to solve the Taiwan problem and reunify with its motherland. He further criticized the US, stating that its actions were turning Taiwan into a "powder keg and ammunition depot."

China's People's Liberation Army has been increasingly conducting military maneuvers aimed at Taiwan in recent years, including sending fighter jets and warships to circle the island. In response to the aid package, Taiwan's Ministry of National Defense reported tracking six Chinese navy ships near its shores on Sunday.

Taiwan, a self-ruled island with its own government, military, and currency, has been a point of contention between China and the US for decades. China claims sovereignty over Taiwan and considers it an integral part of its territory. On paper, the US adheres to the One China Policy, recognizing Taiwan as part of China. However, the US has also maintained close ties with Taiwan, providing it with military support.

The aid package announced by the Biden administration is unique in that it draws directly from current US stockpiles, bypassing the need for production and sales delays. This allows Taiwan to quickly bolster its defense capabilities. The package includes a range of hardware, such as firearms, missiles, portable air defense systems, and surveillance equipment.

The US has been a key ally for Taiwan, providing over $19 billion in pending military aid, including F-16s and other weaponry. However, much of this aid has yet to arrive in Taiwan. The delay in delivery has raised concerns about Taiwan's national security, particularly given its crucial role in advanced chip manufacturing, notably through companies like Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company.

Chinese President Xi Jinping has made reunification with Taiwan a key objective and has not ruled out the use of military force to achieve it. As tensions continue to rise between China and the US over Taiwan, the international community closely watches the developments in the Taiwan Strait, wary of the potential for conflict in the region.