Washington, United States. A major U.S. arms package for Taiwan that includes advanced interceptor missiles is ready for President Donald Trump’s approval and could be signed after his trip to China this month, sources briefed on the discussions said.
Package size and timing
The arms package, valued at about $14 billion, would be the largest ever for Taiwan, which faces rising military pressure from China, the sources said.
Sources familiar with the administration’s thinking said the deal was being kept under wraps ahead of Trump’s planned trip to Beijing from March 31 to April 2 to meet President Xi Jinping, but could be announced after his return.
China’s position and U.S. policy context
Xi told Trump in February that arms sales to Taiwan, which Beijing claims as its own territory, must be handled with “prudence,” the sources said.
Trump’s efforts to secure a favorable trade deal with China have raised concerns among some China watchers that he could curb U.S. military support for Taiwan, according to the sources.
However, the pending arms approval suggests the administration plans to maintain or increase support, which would ease anxiety in Taipei, they said.
Contents and additional pending approvals
The package largely consists of PAC-3 and NASAMS air defense missiles, one of the sources said.
“As soon as the president gives the thumbs up, those are ready to be officially announced. Everything is done,” the source said, speaking on condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the matter.
Another $6 billion in “asymmetric” defense capabilities was also awaiting approval and could be announced in linked or subsequent packages, a source said, declining to specify what those capabilities are.
Strategy document reference
Trump’s National Security Strategy issued last year says deterring conflict over Taiwan is a priority for Washington, “ideally by preserving military overmatch.”
What impact do you think a potential $14 billion U.S. arms package could have on cross-strait tensions?
