Officials from former President Donald Trump’s administration have announced more than $11 billion in arms sales to Taiwan, a move that could reassure China hawks who have questioned Trump’s long-term commitment to the self-governing island.
According to administration officials, the proposed arms package includes advanced military equipment aimed at strengthening Taiwan’s defensive capabilities amid rising tensions with China. The sales are intended to enhance Taiwan’s ability to deter potential aggression and maintain stability in the Taiwan Strait.
The announcement comes as Beijing continues to increase military pressure on Taiwan, which China claims as its own territory despite having never governed it. The United States, while maintaining a policy of “strategic ambiguity,” has long been Taiwan’s most important arms supplier under the Taiwan Relations Act.
Some analysts and lawmakers had previously expressed uncertainty about Trump’s approach toward Taiwan, citing his transactional foreign policy style and past comments suggesting allies should pay more for U.S. protection. The new arms sales package is being viewed by supporters as a strong signal that Washington remains committed to Taiwan’s security.
China is expected to strongly oppose the decision, as it has in the past, arguing that U.S. arms sales violate its sovereignty and interfere in internal affairs. Similar announcements have previously prompted diplomatic protests and military responses from Beijing.
Taiwan’s government welcomed the move, stating that enhanced defense cooperation with the United States is essential to safeguarding democracy and regional peace. Officials emphasized that the weapons are strictly defensive in nature.
The arms sales underscore the strategic importance of Taiwan in U.S. foreign policy and highlight the growing competition between Washington and Beijing in the Indo-Pacific region.