The United States has temporarily halted a $14 billion arms sale to Taiwan, acting Navy Secretary Hung Cao announced, citing the need to ensure sufficient munitions for ongoing operations in Iran. Cao confirmed the pause during a Senate hearing, days after President Donald Trump indicated a non-committal stance on the sale following discussions with Chinese leader Xi Jinping.
Taiwan's presidential office spokesperson stated Friday that no information regarding “US adjustments to the arms sale” had been received. Beijing, which claims Taiwan as its territory and has not ruled out force, has consistently opposed US arms sales to the self-governed island.
Munitions for 'Epic Fury' Prioritized
“Right now we’re doing a pause in order to make sure we have the munitions we need for Epic Fury – which we have plenty,” Cao told the hearing on Thursday, referring to the code name for the US-Israel joint military operation in Iran. He added that foreign military sales would resume “when the administration deems necessary.” Cao also clarified he had “not spoken to the Taiwanese” regarding the weapons sale pause.
The $14 billion package, awaiting Trump’s approval for months, reportedly includes Lockheed Martin’s PAC-3 air defense missiles and other surface-to-air missile systems. Trump last week told Fox News the package served as “a very good negotiating chip” with China, and he would “make a determination over the next fairly short period” regarding the sale.
Trump's Discussions with Xi on Taiwan Arms
Taiwan's presidential office spokesperson stated Friday that no information regarding “US adjustments to the arms sale” had been received.
These comments followed a presidential summit in Beijing, where Xi Jinping reportedly emphasized Taiwan as the most critical issue between the US and China. Trump informed reporters he had discussed US arms sales to Taiwan “in great detail” with Xi, despite a 1982 US assurance to Taiwan pledging no consultation with Beijing on the matter.
Trump also stated plans to speak directly with Taiwanese leader Lai Ching-te about the sale, a move that would break diplomatic tradition and likely provoke Beijing.
US and Taiwanese leaders have not held direct talks for decades, though Trump did speak with Lai’s predecessor, Tsai Ing-wen, when he was president-elect. Beijing vehemently opposed a previous $11 billion arms sale to Taiwan last December, with China’s foreign ministry warning it would “accelerate the push towards a dangerous and violent situation across the Taiwan Strait.” Taiwanese leader Lai Ching-te has consistently maintained that US arms sales are a “key factor in maintaining regional peace and stability,” and under his leadership, Taiwan has significantly increased its defense spending amid rising military pressure from China.
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