Trump Holds Taiwan $14 Billion Arms Deal in Limbo, Citing China

President Donald Trump told reporters on Air Force One he has not approved the $14 billion Taiwan weapons package and that the decision “depends on China.” He described the pending sale as a “good negotiating chip” and said a determination would come “over the next fairly short period.” The package includes missiles, anti-drone systems and air-defense equipment.

New York Times

The 1979 Taiwan Relations Act obliges the United States to provide defensive arms to Taiwan. The 1982 Six Assurances forbid consulting Beijing on such sales. The Trump administration approved $11 billion in December 2025 and $11.1 billion in early 2026, a record level of support.

The Hill

Jamieson Greer said there is “no change” in U.S. policy toward Taiwan and stressed U.S.–China stability. President Lai Ching-te posted that U.S. arms sales are “indispensable” for peace and that the “peace and stability of Taiwan Strait will not be sacrificed or bargained away.” The Taiwan Ministry of Defense called the sales a “security commitment…explicitly stated in the Taiwan Relations Act.” House Speaker Mike Johnson warned that “China cannot just go over and take the land,” and Rep. Carlos Gimenez (R-Fla.) noted support for the deal.

The HillNew York Times

Analysts say Trump’s discussion of the sale with President Xi breaches the Six Assurances and erodes ambiguity. Jack Burnham, analyst at the Foundation for Defense and Democracies, warned that such consultations “cross a line” and give Beijing influence over U.S. policy toward the island.

The Hill

The pending package totals $14 billion. Approved sales include $11 billion in December 2025 and $11.1 billion in early 2026. Taiwan’s National Security Bureau reported a 6 % rise in cyber-attacks in 2025, averaging over two million incidents. Beijing’s “grey-zone” patrols have intensified around the Taiwan Strait.

The Hill

Trump’s remarks suggest a conditional hold on the sale, while Greer maintains U.S. policy has not changed. No timeline has been set, and the administration has not disclosed any concessions to Beijing, leaving Taiwan and Congress uncertain about future commitments.

Politico

• “It’s a very good negotiating chip for us, frankly,” — Donald Trump, President

New York Times

• “We discussed the whole thing with the arm sales in great detail actually.” — Donald Trump, President

Politico

• “the peace and stability of the Taiwan Strait will not be sacrificed or bargained away.” — Lai Ching-te, President

New York Times

• “I take what President Xi says with a grain of salt and I also take what President Trump says with a grain of salt,” — Carlos Gimenez, Representative

The Hill

Trump said a decision will be made “in a fairly short period,” but no date is set. Congressional leaders from both parties have introduced resolutions urging prompt approval of the $14 billion deal. Observers expect diplomatic activity in Washington and Beijing as the United States balances deterrence with its strategic relationship with China.

The Hill