Taiwan Urges U.S. to Approve $14 Billion Arms Package

Taiwan is urging the United States to approve a stalled $14 billion arms sale package to bolster its self-defense capabilities against growing threats from Beijing. Lai Ching-te, the President of Taiwan, called for swift approval of the deal on June 18, asserting that Taiwan's efforts to safeguard its national security and reject rule by the Chinese Communist Party are not provocations. This request follows comments from U.S. President Donald Trump, who described the arms sale as a negotiating chip with China during a May summit with Xi Jinping.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed the package is under review, noting that officials are assessing short-term stock availability affected by the war in Iran. Rubio emphasized that U.S. policy remains unchanged and that Washington does not consult China on arms deals. While the $14 billion package remains undecided, the U.S. approved a separate $11 billion sale in December featuring HIMARS and howitzers.

In response to the tension, Taiwan's cabinet approved an additional $6.66 billion for indigenous unmanned systems and surveillance after an opposition-led parliament cut a larger proposed defense budget. China's Foreign Ministry dismissed these efforts, with spokesperson Lin Jian characterizing Taiwan's reliance on U.S. military aid as a dead end and maintaining that Taiwan is an inalienable part of Chinese territory.