Taiwan's Defense Minister Reassures on U.S. Arms Sales Amid Stalled $14 Billion Package
Existing U.S. arms sales to Taiwan remain unchanged, according to the island's defense minister, though a significant package is still on hold.
Taiwan's Defense Minister Wellington Koo stated Tuesday that existing U.S. arms sales to the island are unchanged and that Taipei continues to engage in discussions with Washington on individual deals. However, a substantial $14 billion arms package for Taiwan remains stalled.
Koo's remarks come amid growing concerns that the Trump administration might halt arms sales to Taiwan. China has actively lobbied Washington to cease these sales, notably during a summit in Beijing in May between President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping, after which the U.S. paused the $14 billion deal.
"As for arms sales, we are in continuous discussions with the Americans on this," Koo told reporters in Taipei. "We haven’t received any notice of any changes to sales or our cooperation." He added that he received assurances from the U.S. that its policy toward Taiwan remains consistent.
Separately, Koo reported that 66 advanced F16-V fighter jets intended for Taiwan have reached a production stage where they are ready for delivery. These jets were originally slated for delivery in 2024, but the project has faced delays attributed to the COVID-19 pandemic and issues within the production line.
U.S. arms sales to Taiwan are a significant point of contention in U.S.-China relations, as Beijing considers the island its territory. While the U.S. does not formally recognize Taiwan as an independent nation, it is a key informal ally and is legally obligated to ensure Taiwan's self-defense capabilities.
Taiwan maintains that it purchases arms to defend itself against potential invasion by China. The Chinese People's Liberation Army regularly sends fighter jets and naval vessels toward the island.
Analysts anticipate that U.S. arms sales to Taiwan will likely continue, although short-term pauses are possible. Tamkang University professor Ma Chun-wei suggested that upcoming summits between the U.S. and China this year might lead both sides to temporarily set aside the Taiwan issue to avoid jeopardizing broader relations. Nonetheless, he noted that Taiwan's security significance ensures that arms sales will remain a necessary component of their relationship moving forward.