The United States has approved a significant arms package for Taiwan, valued at $11 billion. This announcement, made by Taipei on Thursday, marks one of the largest weapons deals for the island as it seeks to bolster its defense capabilities against potential Chinese aggression. The arms sale, which requires Congressional approval, features a range of military equipment, including HIMARS rocket systems, howitzers, anti-tank missiles, drones, and other hardware.
Washington has traditionally been Taiwan’s primary arms supplier, but comments made by US President Donald Trump had raised concerns about his commitment to defending the democratic island. Despite this, the US has continued to support Taiwan’s defense efforts, with the latest package demonstrating the US’s “firm commitment to Taiwan’s security,” according to Taipei’s foreign ministry.
The sale is the second approved under the Trump administration’s second term, following a $330 million deal in November. The new package is expected to receive bipartisan support in Congress, given the broad consensus on Taiwan’s defense needs. This latest development is part of a long-standing US policy to support Taiwan’s defense, with the island having received $10 billion in arms sales during Trump’s first term, including $8 billion for fighter jets.
Taiwan’s defense ministry has welcomed the latest arms sale, stating that it will help the island “rapidly build robust deterrence capabilities.” The Taiwanese government has also pledged to increase its defense spending to over three percent of its GDP next year and five percent by 2030, following pressure from the US. Additionally, Taiwan plans to seek special funding to upgrade its air defense systems and enhance ammunition production and storage capacity.
The need for strengthened defense capabilities is underscored by China’s ongoing military pressure on the island. Beijing frequently deploys military aircraft and warships around Taiwan, engaging in what analysts describe as “grey-zone” operations – coercive tactics that fall short of an act of war. On Thursday, Taipei’s defense ministry reported that 40 Chinese military aircraft and eight naval vessels had been detected around Taiwan in a 24-hour period.
The latest arms sale reinforces the significance of the US-Taiwan security partnership, particularly in the face of escalating tensions with China. As Taiwan continues to strengthen its defense capabilities, the international community will be closely watching the developments in the region, given the potential implications for regional stability and security.