The United States has decided to temporarily halt arms sales to Taiwan to prioritize military resources for operations related to the conflict with Iran, as stated by acting Navy Secretary Hung Cao. This pause aims to conserve munitions for ongoing US military engagements, with the expectation that foreign military sales will resume when deemed suitable by the administration.
This decision impacts a significant weapons package for Taiwan, which has reportedly been awaiting approval for several months. US officials have indicated that the ultimate decision will hinge on the judgment of senior administration figures, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.
Despite the developments, Taiwan’s presidential office has stated that it has not yet received any official notification regarding alterations to the proposed arms deal. Nonetheless, the situation has sparked concerns in Taipei, particularly following recent discussions between US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping, during which Taiwan was reportedly a major topic of conversation.
China remains firmly opposed to US arms sales to Taiwan, viewing the island as a part of its territory. Beijing has consistently issued warnings against foreign support for Taiwan and has not excluded the possibility of using force. President Trump’s recent remarks have further fueled uncertainty regarding future US support for Taiwan, as he referred to the weapons packages as a potential “negotiating chip” in dealings with China, indicating that a decision on the pending sales would be made later.
Despite the pause in arms sales, US law mandates that Washington provide Taiwan with defensive military equipment as part of the Taiwan Relations Act, ensuring continued support for the island’s defense needs.