First Inclusion of Presidential Delegated Authority (PDA) for Taiwan
The U.S. Department of Defense's decision to provide so-called 'Ukraine-style' weapons support to Taiwan next year has drawn backlash from China, which warned that it would provoke confrontation and conflict between major powers.
On the 11th (local time), the U.S. Department of Defense included for the first time a budget of $500 million (656.5 billion KRW) under the 'Presidential Drawdown Authority' (PDA) for Taiwan in the fiscal year 2025 defense budget (October 2024 to September 2025). PDA is the authority that allows the president to transfer military supplies held by the U.S. military without separate congressional approval.
Because it provides items from existing stock rather than ordering and supplying new weapons, support can be delivered quickly. The U.S. has also used the PDA method to supply weapons to Ukraine, which was invaded by Russia.
In response, Wang Wenbin, spokesperson for the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said at a regular briefing on the 12th, "Great power competition does not solve the problems faced by China and the U.S.," emphasizing that "it is a high-stakes gamble that puts the fundamental interests of the peoples of both countries and the fate of humanity at risk, driving China and the U.S. toward confrontation and conflict."
He quoted Wang Yi, director of the Central Foreign Affairs Commission Office of the Chinese Communist Party (also serving as foreign minister), from a press conference on the 7th, who said, "(If the U.S.) focuses solely on suppressing China, it will ultimately harm itself," and added, "We hope the U.S. corrects its mistaken perception of China and abandons zero-sum thinking."
China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs' stance on this day was analyzed as somewhat toned down compared to the tough rhetoric it has shown whenever the U.S. supports Taiwan through arms sales.
Earlier, last month, when reports emerged that the U.S. had notified Congress of plans to sell weapons related to the improvement of advanced tactical data system performance worth $76 million (approximately 99.6 billion KRW) to Taiwan, the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs strongly warned, saying it would take "firm and strong measures to safeguard national sovereignty and territorial integrity."
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
