Taiwan pledges U.S. arms sales cooperation
Taiwan announced its intention to maintain close contact with the US regarding arms sales. Upholding Indo-Pacific security and stability is a shared interest among democratic nations. The US government and Congress consistently support Taiwan's capacity to defend itself. China, which considers Taiwan its own territory, has demanded an end to US arms sales. President Trump approved an $11 billion arms package for Taiwan in December 2025, but a proposed $14 billion package is on hold. President Trump referred to the $14 billion arms deal as a "very good negotiating chip" following his May 2026 meeting with President Xi. The United States considered delaying significant arms sales announcements until after the APEC summit in November and the G20 summit in December 2026. Taiwan's existing orders for US weaponry face delays due to production backlogs, as American defense contractors prioritize urgent military inventory replenishment and active combat theaters. The US House passed a July 2026 bill allocating $500 million in Foreign Military Financing for Taiwan for the 2027 fiscal year. Taiwan's Defense Minister Wellington Koo expressed "cautious optimism" regarding future arms sales in May 2026. The United States is legally obligated by the Taiwan Relations Act of 1979 to provide Taiwan with defensive weapons. China's military operates around Taiwan almost daily, never renouncing force. In November 2025, Taiwan received notification of a $330 million arms sale for aircraft components. President Lai Ching-te actively supported President Trump's call for US allies to increase defense spending, underscoring Taiwan's commitment to self-defense.
