The United States has approved $11.1 billion in arms sales to Taiwan, marking the largest US weapons package ever for the island as it faces increasing military pressure from China.
US Arms Sale to Taiwan
The arms sale announcement is the second made under the current US administration. It comes as Beijing increases its military and diplomatic pressure on Taiwan, whose government does not recognize Beijing’s sovereignty claims.
The proposed sale includes eight items: High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS), howitzers, Javelin anti-tank missiles, Altius loitering munition drones, and parts for other equipment, according to Taiwan’s defence ministry.
The United States continues to assist Taiwan in maintaining sufficient self-defence capabilities and in rapidly building strong deterrent power and leveraging asymmetric warfare advantages, which are foundational for maintaining regional peace and stability, the ministry added.
The package is currently undergoing Congressional notification, allowing Congress the opportunity to block or alter the sale. Taiwan has widespread bipartisan support in the US.
The Pentagon stated that arms sales support US national, economic, and security interests by aiding Taiwan’s efforts to modernize its armed forces and maintain a credible defensive capability.
Taiwan is working to transform its armed forces to wage “asymmetric warfare” using mobile, smaller, and often cheaper weapons, such as drones.
“Our country will continue to promote defence reforms, strengthen whole-of-society defence resilience, demonstrate our determination to defend ourselves, and safeguard peace through strength,” said Taiwan presidential office spokesperson Karen Kuo.
Taiwan President Lai Ching-te announced a $60.6 billion supplementary defence budget to run from 2026 to 2033, stating there was “no room for compromise on national security.”
China’s foreign ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Rupert Hammond-Chambers, president of the US-Taiwan Business Council, said weapons like the HIMARS, which have been used extensively by Ukraine, could be essential in countering an invading Chinese force.
- The arms sale package totals $11.1 billion, the largest of its kind for Taiwan.
- Key items include HIMARS, howitzers, and Javelin anti-tank missiles.
- The sale aims to bolster Taiwan’s asymmetric warfare capabilities.
Washington maintains formal diplomatic ties with Beijing but has unofficial ties with Taiwan and is its primary arms supplier. The US is legally bound to provide Taiwan with the means to defend itself, though these sales are a consistent point of contention with China.
Concerns have been raised regarding potential weakening of US support for Taiwan due to President Trump’s penchant for deal-making and planned visit to China and President Xi Jinping. However, US officials stated plans to increase weapons sales to Taipei during Mr. Trump’s second term to deter China.
The US national security strategy emphasizes deterring conflict over Taiwan by “preserving military overmatch” against China, a position welcomed in Taipei. The strategy also highlights Taiwan’s strategic location dividing “North-East and South-East Asia into two distinct theatres.”
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