The Trump administration has announced a proposed arms sale to Taiwan worth about $11bn (£8.2bn), including advanced rocket launchers, self-propelled howitzers and a range of missiles. The deal, which still requires approval from the US Congress, would be the second arms package for Taiwan since Donald Trump returned to the White House in January.
China strongly criticised the move, saying it undermines its sovereignty, security and territorial integrity. Beijing considers self-governed Taiwan a breakaway province.
Taiwan’s defence ministry welcomed the announcement, thanking Washington and saying the package would help the island rapidly strengthen its deterrence capabilities.
Although the US formally recognises Beijing rather than Taipei, it has long been Taiwan’s key security partner and largest arms supplier, maintaining a delicate diplomatic balance for decades.
The proposed sale has further angered China, which has intensified military pressure on Taiwan through drills and frequent incursions into its airspace and surrounding waters. China’s foreign ministry warned that US support for Taiwan would heighten tensions across the Taiwan Strait.
According to the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency, the package includes $4bn worth of HIMARS rocket systems and $4bn in self-propelled howitzers. If approved, it would surpass the total value of arms sales made to Taiwan under the previous US administration.
The US State Department said the deal supports Taiwan’s efforts to modernise its military and maintain a credible defensive posture. China, which has not ruled out the use of force to take control of Taiwan, continues to oppose such sales.
Taiwan has responded by increasing defence spending and strengthening its air defence systems, as regional tensions rise amid China’s growing military activity and disputes involving neighbouring countries, including Japan.
