The US President, Joe Biden, has recently signed a massive $95 billion aid package aimed at strengthening global security by bolstering the defences of key democratic allies. The package includes $61 billion in military aid that is earmarked for Ukraine, which is currently facing steady Russian gains in its ongoing invasion. Ukrainian President, Volodymyr Zelensky, has hailed the move as a “message to the entire world” that the US will not turn its back on Ukraine in the face of Russian aggression.
In addition to the military aid for Ukraine, the package allocates $17 billion to Israel and $9 billion for civilians in conflict zones, including Palestinians in Gaza. The aid package also includes $8 billion that is earmarked for allies in the Asia-Pacific region, including Taiwan, intending to counter China’s growing influence in the area.
One of the most significant provisions of the package is a clause that could lead to a nationwide ban on TikTok if its Chinese parent company, ByteDance, fails to sell its stake in the company and find a US-approved buyer within nine months. This move comes as the US government is increasingly concerned about the potential national security risks posed by Chinese tech companies.
Notably, the package did not include increased funding for US border security, which drew opposition from some Republican senators who prioritized addressing immigration issues before allocating funds to secure Ukraine’s border.
Overall, this aid package represents a significant boost to the defences of key democratic allies and a clear demonstration of the US’s commitment to supporting its partners worldwide.
