The Trump administration announced a large weapons sale to Taiwan worth roughly $11bn. The package includes advanced rocket launchers, self-propelled howitzers, and several missile systems. US officials revealed the details late Wednesday. Congress must still approve the deal before implementation begins. The administration framed the move as a response to mounting security challenges.
This sale marks the second arms package for Taiwan since Donald Trump returned to the White House in January. The administration continues to reinforce defence cooperation with Taipei. Officials described the deal as necessary amid deteriorating regional stability. The package significantly expands Taiwan’s defensive capabilities.
Chinese military pressure continues to build
China views Taiwan as a breakaway province and opposes its self-rule. Beijing has steadily increased pressure through repeated military drills. Chinese aircraft and naval vessels regularly enter nearby airspace and waters. These actions have heightened tensions throughout the region.
Taiwan’s defence ministry welcomed the announcement on Thursday. Officials said the deal would help rapidly strengthen deterrence capabilities. The ministry stressed the need for reliable defensive systems. Taiwan faces escalating military risks.
Washington maintains careful diplomatic balance
The United States maintains formal diplomatic relations with Beijing rather than Taipei. Washington has followed this approach for decades. Despite this policy, the US remains Taiwan’s strongest military supporter. American suppliers provide most of the island’s advanced weapons.
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 sale undermined its sovereignty and security.
Heavy weapons form the core of the deal
The package includes High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems valued at $4bn. It also includes self-propelled howitzers worth another $4bn. The US Defense Security Cooperation Agency published the breakdown Wednesday night. Officials said the systems improve mobility and strike accuracy.
If approved, the sale will exceed previous arms deals in scale. Nineteen sales under the previous administration totalled $8.38bn. This single package surpasses that combined amount. Analysts interpret the size as a strong strategic signal.
Trump extends earlier arms sales record
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 deals. The new agreement continues that trend.
The US State Department defended the deal publicly. Officials said the sale supports Taiwan’s military modernisation. They said it helps preserve credible defensive strength. Washington described the agreement as aligned with national interests.
Taiwan prepares major defence spending increases
China has repeatedly pledged reunification with Taiwan. Beijing has not ruled out using force. Taiwanese leaders increasingly take the threat seriously. 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 spread beyond the Taiwan Strait
China has grown more assertive across the region. Neighbouring countries have raised concerns. In June, Japan protested Chinese aircraft carrier drills in the Pacific. The exercise marked an unprecedented escalation.
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.
