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Trump Calls $14 B Taiwan Arms Deal “Negotiating Chip”

5/27/2026

36 3 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

U.S. President Donald Trump called the pending $14 billion Taiwan arms package a “very good negotiating chip,” sparking delay speculation.
Chinese government spokeswoman Zhang Han said China opposes any U.S. military ties with Taiwan and warned they could become extremely dangerous.
Taiwan’s government office in New York urged the United States not to trade Taiwan for a Beijing deal, saying it would undermine the Taiwan Relations Act.

History

Historical Context

In 1995-96 the Third Taiwan Strait Crisis heightened cross-strait tensions. The 1979 Taiwan Relations Act codifies strategic ambiguity and obliges Washington to supply defensive weapons, a policy shown by the $1.83 billion sale approved in 2015. This framework continues to shape U.S. backing of Taiwan amid Beijing’s regional ongoing intensified pressure.

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Story summary

U.S. President Donald Trump called the pending $14 billion Taiwan arms package a “very good negotiating chip,” sparking delay speculation.
Chinese government spokeswoman Zhang Han said China opposes any U.S. military ties with Taiwan and warned they could become extremely dangerous.
Taiwan’s government office in New York urged the United States not to trade Taiwan for a Beijing deal, saying it would undermine the Taiwan Relations Act.

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