Taiwan expects US to fast-track $500M weapons package. Taiwan is in talks with the U.S. and expects to receive a $500 million fast-tracked weapons package by the end of the year, the country’s Foreign Ministry said Monday. Defense Minister Chiu Kuo-cheng detailed the talks in testimony before the Taiwanese parliament this week. He said the $500 million package is separate from the $4.5 billion the U.S. has promised to deliver to Taiwan over the next four years. “The use of the $500 million package is aimed at prioritizing supplying us with [immediately-available] goods over any delay or late delivery in our arms procurement,” Chiu said. “It should be implemented this year.” Much of the larger $4.5 billion package has been delayed, partly due to existing U.S. commitments to support Ukraine… China conducted simulated missile strikes on the island and appeared to simulate preparations for an invasion. Meanwhile, President Biden has repeatedly stated that the U.S. would intervene militarily if China moved forward with an invasion, but the White House has walked back that commitment each time. The administration’s official position is one of “strategic ambiguity.” Source: Fox News