The Trump administration has submitted a significant arms package to Congress for Taiwan, valued at over $11 billion. This proposed military aid aims to bolster Taiwan’s defenses in light of escalating tensions with China, which has long claimed sovereignty over the self-governing island. If Congress approves the plan—an outcome likely given bipartisan support for Taiwan—it would surpass the $8.4 billion in arms sales authorized during the Biden administration.
Should the package be approved, it would represent more than half of the $18.3 billion in arms sold to Taiwan during President Trump’s first term. The size of this proposal is expected to reassure Washington’s China hawks, who have expressed concerns about Trump’s commitment to Taiwan amid his efforts to negotiate trade and economic agreements with Beijing.
The arms package, which has received clearance from the State Department, includes over $4 billion for high mobility artillery rocket systems known as HIMARS and M109A7 self-propelled howitzers. It also allocates more than $700 million for Javelin and TOW anti-armor missiles, alongside Altius kamikaze drones produced by Anduril, a military technology company.
In a statement, the Pentagon’s Defense Security Cooperation Agency emphasized that the proposed sale would support U.S. interests by aiding Taiwan’s modernization of its armed forces and sustaining a credible defensive capability. Taiwan’s Defense Ministry, while not explicitly naming China, noted that the weapons package would enhance its deterrence and combat capabilities.
The Chinese government swiftly condemned the arms sales, describing them as a violation of its sovereignty over Taiwan. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun stated that the latest arms sales would only exacerbate tensions and push Taiwan closer to conflict. He characterized Taiwan as a “red line” in U.S.-China relations that should not be crossed.
U.S. officials and experts have long warned that President Xi Jinping appears determined to regain control of Taiwan, reportedly preparing his military for a potential invasion. While the United States does not formally recognize Taiwan as an independent nation, it has maintained a policy of “strategic ambiguity” regarding its willingness to defend the island in the event of an attack.
The announcement of the arms package coincides with Taiwan’s President Lai Ching-te working on the annual budget, which includes an additional $40 billion for military hardware through 2033. The opposition Nationalist Party, which holds a majority in Taiwan’s legislature, has criticized Lai’s proposals, highlighting concerns over delayed deliveries of previous weapons orders and potential waste. They may delay or block the proposed increases in military spending, but there is general expectation that the special budget will ultimately pass, possibly after some modifications.
In response to the arms purchases, Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs assured that it will continue to strengthen its ties with the United States and other security partners, enhancing its defense capabilities and overall resilience.
