The United States has approved an arms package worth $11.1 billion to Taiwan, making it the largest ever arms package to Taiwan. The move comes as China’s military pressure on Taiwan has intensified.
The arms sale announcement is the second under US President Donald Trump’s administration. It comes as Beijing has stepped up military and diplomatic pressure on Taiwan, which rejects China’s claims of sovereignty over it.
According to Taiwan’s Ministry of Defense, the arms package includes eight types of major equipment including HIMARS rocket systems, howitzers, Javelin anti-tank missiles, Altius drones and spare parts for other equipment.
“We continue to help Taiwan maintain sufficient self-defense capabilities and build strong deterrence and advantages in asymmetric warfare. This is an important foundation for maintaining regional peace and stability,” the ministry said in a statement.
The sales package is currently at the notification stage for the US Congress, which has the opportunity to block or modify the offer. However, the sale has received cross-party support in Taiwan.
The Pentagon also said the arms sale is in line with the national, economic and security interests of the US. It aims to support Taiwan's efforts to modernize its armed forces and maintain strong defense capabilities.
Taiwan is working on a military transformation to conduct "asymmetric warfare" using smaller, more mobile and cost-effective weapons such as drones, which can have a greater impact on the battlefield.
Taiwan's presidential office spokeswoman Karen Kuo expressed appreciation to the US and stressed the country's commitment to continue strengthening defense reforms and strengthening the resilience of the entire society to maintain peace through strength.
Last month, Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te announced an additional defense budget of $40 billion for the period 2026 to 2033, stressing that there will be no compromise on national security.
China's Foreign Ministry has not yet provided any official response on the matter.
Rupert Hammond-Chambers, president of the US-Taiwan Business Council, said that weapons such as HIMARS, which have been widely used by Ukraine against Russian troops, could play a key role in repelling Chinese military aggression.
"This largest security assistance package is a response to China's threats and President Trump's request for friends and allies to enhance their defense capabilities," he added.
