Live from NPR News in Washington, I'm Windsor Johnston.

The White House says it's closely monitoring the military takeover in Niger.

NPR's Barbara Sprunt reports the Biden administration is warning that an overthrow of the government

could lead to the withdrawal of U.S. support from the country.

The National Security Council is calling for the immediate release of President Mohammad

Bazoum and his family, they're being held by soldiers of the presidential guard.

John Kirby, spokesperson for the NSC, said there could be consequences.

We remind those attempting this power grab by force that an overthrow of democratically

elected President Bazoum would place U.S. substantial cooperation with the government

of Niger at risk.

Kirby says the U.S. could stop its security and other cooperation with the Niger government

if there's a military takeover.

For now, he's still stopping short of calling the situation there a coup.

He says the U.S. hopes talks led by other African nations could lead to a diplomatic solution.

Barbara Sprunt and Pairnews, Washington.

President Biden has announced fresh military aid for Taiwan that's worth $345 million.

The White House did not say what kind of equipment was included, but as NPR's Don Rewich

reports, it's part of a drawdown from U.S. stockpiles that's aimed at getting the

geared to the island quickly.

The U.S. has been selling Taiwan arms for decades as part of a policy of helping the

self-governed island defend itself.

Beijing considers it a part of China and refuses to renounce the use of force as a possible

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