The Trump administration announced a new weapons sale to Taiwan worth approximately $11bn. The package includes advanced rocket launchers, self-propelled howitzers, and several missile systems. US officials released details late Wednesday. Congress must approve the deal before delivery can begin. The administration framed the sale as essential for regional security.
This is the second arms sale to Taiwan since Donald Trump returned to the White House in January. The administration continues to strengthen military cooperation with Taipei. Officials said the package responds to growing security challenges. The deal significantly enhances Taiwan’s defensive capabilities.
China steps up military pressure
China regards Taiwan as a breakaway province and rejects its self-rule. Beijing has steadily increased pressure through repeated military exercises. Chinese aircraft and naval vessels regularly enter nearby airspace and waters. These maneuvers have intensified tensions in the region.
Taiwan’s defence ministry welcomed the announcement on Thursday. Officials said the sale would quickly strengthen deterrence capabilities. The ministry stressed the importance of reliable self-defence. Taiwan faces rising military threats.
Washington maintains strategic 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 most important military partner. American suppliers provide most of the island’s advanced weapons.
China has not issued a public response 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 violated its sovereignty and security.
Advanced systems anchor 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 published details Wednesday night. Officials said the systems improve mobility and strike accuracy.
If approved, the sale will surpass previous arms deals in scale. Nineteen sales under the previous administration totalled $8.38bn. This single package exceeds that combined amount. Analysts view the size as a deliberate strategic message.
Trump continues prior 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 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 aligned with national interests.
Taiwan plans defence spending increase
China has repeatedly pledged reunification with Taiwan. Beijing has never 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 grow beyond Taiwan
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.
