The Trump administration announced a weapons sale to Taiwan valued at about $11bn. The package includes advanced rocket launchers, self-propelled howitzers, and several missile systems. US officials disclosed the plan late Wednesday. Congress must approve the agreement before implementation. The administration described the sale as a necessary security measure.
The deal marks the second arms sale to Taiwan since Donald Trump returned to the White House in January. The administration continues to expand military cooperation with Taipei. Officials framed the package as a response to growing regional instability. The sale significantly boosts Taiwan’s defensive capacity.
China keeps up military pressure
China claims Taiwan as a breakaway province and rejects its self-rule. Beijing has steadily increased pressure through frequent military exercises. Chinese aircraft and naval vessels regularly operate near Taiwan’s airspace and waters. These actions have intensified tensions in the region.
Taiwan’s defence ministry welcomed the announcement on Thursday. Officials said the sale would accelerate the development of deterrence capabilities. The ministry stressed the need for strong defensive readiness. Taiwan continues to face rising military threats.
Careful diplomacy guides Washington
The United States maintains formal diplomatic relations with Beijing rather than Taipei. Washington has followed this approach for decades. Despite this position, the US remains Taiwan’s leading military partner. American suppliers provide most of the island’s advanced weapons systems.
China has not publicly responded to the announcement. Last month, Beijing criticised an earlier $330m sale. That deal included fighter jets and aircraft components approved in November. China’s foreign ministry said the agreement violated its sovereignty and security.
Heavy weapons dominate the package
The deal includes High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems valued at $4bn. It also includes self-propelled howitzers worth another $4bn. The US Defense Security Cooperation Agency released details Wednesday night. Officials said the systems enhance mobility and precision.
If approved, the sale will eclipse previous arms deals in size. Nineteen sales under the previous administration totalled $8.38bn. This single package exceeds that combined figure. Analysts view the scale as a strategic statement.
Trump reinforces past arms sales trend
During his first term, Trump approved $18.3bn in arms sales to Taiwan. One package alone reached $8bn. That period marked the highest volume of approved agreements. The current sale continues that trajectory.
The US State Department defended the agreement. Officials said the sale supports Taiwan’s military modernisation. They said it helps maintain credible defensive strength. Washington framed the deal as advancing national interests.
Taiwan steps up defence spending goals
China has repeatedly pledged reunification with Taiwan. Beijing has not ruled out using force. Taiwanese leaders increasingly treat the threat as serious. The government plans to raise defence spending above 3% of GDP next year. Officials aim to reach 5% by 2030.
In October, President Lai Ching-te announced plans for a new air defence system. He described it as protection against hostile threats. He avoided naming China directly. The system will resemble a dome-style shield.
Regional tensions extend beyond Taiwan
China has grown more assertive across the region. Neighbouring states have expressed concern. In June, Japan protested Chinese aircraft carrier drills in the Pacific. The exercise marked an unprecedented move.
Tokyo and Beijing have since exchanged sharp warnings. Japan’s prime minister suggested possible military involvement if China attacks Taiwan. Tensions escalated this month near disputed islands. Vessels from both sides confronted each other at sea. Chinese fighter jets also locked radar onto Japanese aircraft.
