The Trump administration announced a major arms sale to Taiwan valued at about $11bn. The package includes advanced rocket launchers, self-propelled howitzers, and a variety of missile systems. US officials released the details late Wednesday. Congress must approve the deal before implementation. The administration framed the sale as a response to growing regional security threats.
This 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 described the package as necessary amid escalating tensions. The deal significantly enhances Taiwan’s defensive capacity.
China increases military pressure
China considers Taiwan a breakaway province and opposes its self-rule. Beijing has steadily intensified pressure through repeated military drills. Chinese aircraft and naval vessels frequently operate near Taiwan’s 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 quickly strengthen deterrence capabilities. The ministry emphasised the need for effective defensive systems. Taiwan faces increasing military threats.
Washington balances diplomacy with defence
The United States maintains formal diplomatic relations with Beijing rather than Taipei. Washington has followed this approach for decades. Despite this stance, the US remains Taiwan’s most important military partner. 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 agreement violated its sovereignty and security.
High-end systems 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 the details Wednesday night. Officials said the systems enhance mobility and precision.
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 deliberate strategic message.
Trump continues arms sales momentum
During his first term, Trump approved $18.3bn in arms sales to Taiwan. One package alone reached $8bn. That period marked the largest volume of approved deals. The current sale follows the same trajectory.
The US State Department defended the agreement publicly. Officials said the sale supports Taiwan’s military modernisation. They said it maintains credible defensive capabilities. Washington framed the deal as serving national interests.
Taiwan plans defence spending rise
China has repeatedly pledged reunification with Taiwan. Beijing has never 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 grow in East Asia
China has grown more assertive across the region. Neighbouring countries have voiced concern. 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.
