U.S. Approves Historic Arms Sales Package to Taiwan, Provoking Strong Chinese Response

On December 18, 2025, the Trump administration announced a significant arms sales package to Taiwan, valued at over $11 billion. This deal, which is the largest in U.S. history for Taiwan, includes advanced military systems such as 82 High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS), 420 Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS), 60 self-propelled howitzers, and various drones, among other equipment. The U.S. State Department stated that these sales aim to support Taiwan's efforts to modernize its armed forces and maintain a credible defensive capability amid increasing military pressure from China.

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China's Foreign Ministry condemned the arms sales, asserting that they violate the one-China principle and threaten China's sovereignty and territorial integrity. Spokesperson Guo Jiakun characterized the deal as a move that would turn Taiwan into a "powder keg" and warned that it would accelerate tensions in the Taiwan Strait. Guo emphasized that the Taiwan question is a core interest for China and that any attempts to support Taiwan's independence would be met with "resolute and strong measures."

China urges U.S. to stop ‘dangerous act’ following U.S. approval of massive arms sales to Taiwan regionChina DailyUS' arms sales plan for Taiwan condemnedGlobal TimesFox News (website)UsNews and World Report

In response to the escalating military threats from China, Taiwan's government, led by President Lai Ching-te, has committed to increasing its defense spending. The island plans to raise its defense budget to 3.3% of GDP next year and aims for 5% by 2030. This increase is part of a broader strategy to enhance Taiwan's military capabilities, including a proposed $40 billion budget for arms purchases over the next eight years, which includes the development of an advanced air defense system known as the "Taiwan Dome."

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Taiwan's Defense Ministry expressed gratitude for the U.S. arms sales, stating that they would bolster Taiwan's self-defense capabilities and contribute to regional stability. The ministry highlighted that the arms package is essential for maintaining a credible deterrent against potential aggression from China. Meanwhile, the U.S. maintains that these sales are crucial for supporting Taiwan's defense and preserving peace in the region.

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Despite bipartisan support for the arms sales in the U.S., there are concerns within Taiwan regarding the potential for increased tensions with China. Some opposition voices in Taiwan argue that escalating military spending could provoke conflict rather than deter it. Cheng Li-wun, the head of Taiwan's opposition party, has expressed worries that the arms sales might lead to a dangerous escalation in cross-strait relations.

US' arms sales plan for Taiwan condemned

While the U.S. frames the arms package as a necessary measure for Taiwan's defense, China views it as a direct threat to its sovereignty. The Chinese government has not specified the exact nature of the "forceful measures" it might take in response, leaving room for speculation about potential military or diplomatic actions.

US Prepares Expansive Weapons Package for Taiwan Valued at Over $10 Billion

The arms sales package is currently undergoing a 30-day congressional review, during which lawmakers could potentially block the deal. However, given the strong bipartisan support for Taiwan, approval is expected. The situation remains fluid, with both the U.S. and China closely monitoring developments as Taiwan continues to enhance its military capabilities in the face of perceived threats.

Trump Administration Moves to Approve Over $11 Billion in Arms Sales to Taiwan

• “This cannot save the doomed fate of ‘Taiwan independence’ but will only accelerate the push of the Taiwan Strait toward a dangerous situation of military confrontation and war. The U.S. support for ‘Taiwan Independence’ through arms will only end up backfiring. Using Taiwan to contain China will not succeed,” — Guo Jiakun, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson

PBS News Hour

• “The proposed sale(s) will help improve the security of the recipient and assist in maintaining political stability, military balance, and economic progress in the region,” — U.S. State Department Statement

PBS News Hour

• “sincerely grateful to the US government for once again demonstrating that it continues to fulfill its security commitments” — Karen Kuo, Taiwan Presidential Office Spokesperson

Washington Post

• “Taiwan question is at the core of China’s core interests, and is the first red line that must not be crossed in China-US relations,” — Guo Jiakun, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson

Trump Administration Approves More Than $11 Billion in Arms Sales for Taiwan

• “Our country will continue to promote defence reforms, strengthen whole-of-society defence resilience, demonstrate our determination to defend ourselves, and safeguard peace through strength,” — Karen Kuo, Taiwan Presidential Office Spokesperson

CBC News