Taiwan Awaits U.S. Decision on $14 Billion Arms Package

President Lai Ching-te said on 18 June that Taiwan has “high hopes” for U.S. approval of a $14 billion weapons package, but deal remains under review after President Donald Trump called it a “very good negotiating chip” in a May meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping. No call has been set.

South China Morning Post

U.S. support for Taiwan follows the Taiwan Relations Act, which obligates Washington to provide defensive hardware. Prior sales include $18 billion during Trump’s first term and an $11 billion package approved in December 2025. The 1982 “Six Assurances” pledged the United States would not discuss arms sales with Beijing, a promise Trump suggested he might break by consulting Xi on the pending deal.

Foreign Policy

The $14 billion package includes missiles and other systems. An $11 billion sale was approved in December 2025 and $18 billion in Trump’s first term. Taiwan’s legislature earmarked T$210 billion (?$6.66 billion) for surveillance, coastal strike and drones. Congress pre-approved the deal, but U.S. stockpiles are strained by the Iran war.

Taiwan Seeks Faster US Arms Approval as Lai Rejects China Pressure

Secretary of State Marco Rubio told a Senate panel that U.S. policy “has not changed” and the administration “does not consult with the Chinese on these arms deals,” adding the review weighs “the availability of the stocks in the short term.” Acting Navy Secretary Hung Cao confirmed a temporary halt because of material shortages. Alexander Yui said Taiwan “needs those arms for defensive purposes” and will not wait for a U.S. cavalry. The Chinese embassy in Washington declined comment.

Associated Press

KMT chair Cheng Li-wun said U.S. officials did not raise the “second wave of arms procurement” during her Washington visit and warned that Trump “does not want Taiwan to move toward independence.” She dismissed media speculation about a lukewarm U.S. reception. Analysts note that calling the sale a “negotiating chip” could embolden Beijing.

KMT Chair Fires Back at Coverage of U.S. Trip, Says Arms Sale Not Discussed

SCMP reports “no new U.S. arms-sale announcements for Taiwan are likely in the near term,” while other sources say “some packages are expected to be announced or approved afterwards.” The timeline for a possible Trump-Lai call remains unclear.

South China Morning Post

• “We need those arms for defensive purposes,” — Alexander Yui Tah-ray, Head of TECO-U.S.

Associated Press

• “We’re aware of their position. They talk about it all the time,” — Marco Rubio, U.S. Secretary of State

Associated Press

• “The U.S. side didn’t actually actually bring up the current or future progress of the so-called ‘second wave of arms procurement,’” — Cheng Li-wun, KMT Chairwoman

KMT Chair Fires Back at Coverage of U.S. Trip, Says Arms Sale Not Discussed

• “very good negotiating chip.” — Donald Trump, President of the United States

Foreign Policy

The Senate Armed Services Committee will review the $14 billion package in the coming weeks, and a U.S.–China summit slated for September could affect the outcome. Taiwan plans to boost defense spending and acquire asymmetric systems regardless of the sale’s fate.

Taiwan Seeks Faster US Arms Approval as Lai Rejects China Pressure