Major weapons sale announced
The Trump administration has approved a sweeping package of arms sales to Taiwan valued at more than $10 billion, significantly expanding U.S. military support for the island amid rising tensions with China. The announcement was made late Wednesday by the U.S. State Department during a nationally televised address by President Donald Trump, though the president did not directly reference China or Taiwan in his remarks.
The package consists of eight separate arms agreements and represents one of the largest single U.S. weapons sales to Taiwan in recent years. It comes as Washington and Beijing continue to clash over trade, tariffs and China’s increasingly assertive posture toward Taiwan.
Missiles, artillery and drones
According to the State Department, the approved sales include 82 High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS) and 420 Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS), valued at more than $4 billion. These missile systems are similar to those previously supplied by the United States to Ukraine.
The package also includes 60 self-propelled howitzers and related equipment worth over $4 billion, drones valued at more than $1 billion, and military software exceeding $1 billion. Additional components include Javelin and TOW missiles worth more than $700 million, helicopter spare parts worth $96 million, and refurbishment kits for Harpoon missiles valued at $91 million.
U.S. justification and Taiwan response
In official statements, the State Department said the arms sales support U.S. national, economic and security interests by helping Taiwan modernize its armed forces and maintain credible defensive capabilities. Officials said the deal would contribute to political stability, military balance and economic progress in the region.
Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense welcomed the announcement, saying the weapons would strengthen deterrence and ensure sufficient self-defense capabilities. Taiwan’s foreign minister also expressed gratitude, describing U.S. support as essential to maintaining stability in the Taiwan Strait.
China condemns the move
China’s foreign ministry reacted sharply, accusing the United States of violating diplomatic commitments and undermining regional stability. Beijing said the arms sales severely harm China’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
A spokesperson warned that the weapons would not alter Taiwan’s future but could push the region toward dangerous military confrontation. China has repeatedly stated it reserves the right to use force to bring Taiwan under its control.
Broader defense spending debate
The arms deal comes as Taiwan has pledged to raise defense spending to 3.3% of GDP next year and to 5% by 2030, following pressure from Washington to spend even more. President Lai Ching-te recently proposed a special $40 billion defense budget, though opposition lawmakers have so far blocked key funding legislation.