President Joe Biden agreed to provide $571.3 million in defense support for Taiwan, the White House said, following China's massing of naval forces around Taiwan last week.

US President Joe Biden approved $571.3 million in defense assistance for Taiwan on Friday, the White House said, as the Democrat prepares to leave office ahead of the January inauguration of Donald Trump.

Taiwan is a democratic island of 23 million people that the Chinese government claims as its territory and says must come under its control. U.S. military sales and assistance aim to help Taiwan defend itself and deter China from launching an attack.

US President Joe Biden authorised the provision of up to USD 571 million in Defense Department material and services and in military education and training for Taiwan. Separately, the Defence Department said Friday that USD 295 million in military sales had been approved.

WASHINGTON: United States President Joe Biden on Friday (Dec 20) approved US$571.3 million in defence assistance for Taiwan, the White House said, as the Democrat prepares to leave office ahead of the January inauguration of Donald Trump.

President Biden authorized an additional $571 million in funding to Taiwan for military aid, prompting China to send a staunch warning to the U.S. to stop arming Taiwan.

The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Sunday that the United States is "playing with fire" by providing millions in military aid to Taiwan and warned the move "will get the U.S. burned." Newsweek has reached out to the U.

China criticised new U.S. military aid to Taiwan on Sunday, saying the $571 million package seriously violates the "one China principle" and provisions of joint communiques between China and the U.S.

China has warned the US that sending weapons to Taiwan is akin to “playing with fire” and risks severe consequences. The US recently announced $571.3m (£473m) in military assistance to the island and approved $295m in arms sales.