Trump Blocks Taiwan Arms Sale of $400 Million Amid Diplomatic Push for China Pact
In a move that has stunned the international community, U.S.
President Donald Trump has refused to approve a military aid package exceeding $400 million intended for Taiwan, citing the desire to negotiate a trade deal and potentially a summit with Chinese leader Xi Jinping.
This decision marks a significant shift in U.S.
policy toward Taiwan, which China considers its territory, and signals a strategic recalibration in Washington’s approach to Beijing’s rising influence.Sources close to the matter report that Trump’s rejection of the arms package—originally designed to bolster Taiwan’s defense capabilities with advanced weaponry, drones, and missiles—comes amid ongoing diplomatic negotiations.
Although the White House has not issued a final statement, it suggests that military aid remains under review, with official comments pending.
Meanwhile, Taiwan continues to seek military acquisitions worth billions, including fighter jets and anti-ship missiles, to strengthen its defenses in a tense regional environment.Intelligence reports suggest that Beijing’s military leadership has instructed its forces to prepare for potential takeover of Taiwan by 2027, heightening the urgency of U.S.
support.
Despite the Trump administration’s recent delays, Congress allocated around a billion dollars annually to assist Taiwan’s security, though this funding is limited and subject to end-of-year adjustments.The abrupt halt of this aid package could profoundly alter the security landscape in the Indo-Pacific, raising questions about Washington’s commitment and the future trajectory of cross-strait relations.
This move, viewed by many analysts as an attempt to leverage diplomacy with China, risks weakening Taiwan’s position and emboldening China’s assertiveness in the region.