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. The United States does not officially recognise Taiwan diplomatically, but it is the self-ruled island's strategic ally and largest supplier of weapons. China, which has ramped up political and military pressure on Taiwan in recent years, has repeatedly called for Washington to cease sending arms and assistance to the island, which it claims as part of its territory. Taiwanese officials said China last week...