The Trump administration announced a major arms package to Taiwan valued at roughly $11bn. The deal includes advanced rocket launchers, self-propelled howitzers, and multiple missile systems. US officials revealed the plan late Wednesday. Congress must approve the sale before it can proceed. The administration presented the package as a response to rising security concerns in the region.
This is the second arms sale to Taiwan since Donald Trump returned to the White House in January. The administration continues to expand military cooperation with Taipei. Officials described the sale as necessary amid growing regional tensions. The deal significantly enhances Taiwan’s defensive capabilities.
China escalates military activity
China considers Taiwan a breakaway province and opposes its self-rule. Beijing has steadily increased pressure through repeated military drills. Chinese aircraft and naval vessels frequently operate near Taiwan’s airspace and waters. These maneuvers have intensified tensions throughout the region.
Taiwan’s defence ministry welcomed the announcement on Thursday. Officials said the package would quickly strengthen deterrence capabilities. The ministry emphasised the need for reliable defensive systems. Taiwan faces increasing military threats.
US balances diplomacy and defence
The United States maintains formal diplomatic relations with Beijing rather than Taipei. Washington has followed this policy for decades. Despite this approach, the US remains Taiwan’s most significant military supporter. American suppliers provide most of the island’s advanced weapons.
China has not issued an official 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 weapons dominate the agreement
The package includes High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems valued at $4bn. It also includes self-propelled howitzers worth another $4bn. The US Defense Security Cooperation Agency released details Wednesday night. Officials said the systems enhance mobility and precision.
If approved, the sale will exceed previous arms deals in scale. Nineteen sales under the previous administration totalled $8.38bn. This single package surpasses that combined figure. Analysts interpret the size as a strong strategic signal.
Trump continues prior arms sales momentum
During his first term, Trump approved $18.3bn in arms sales to Taiwan. One package alone reached $8bn. That period marked the largest volume of approved deals. The current sale continues that trajectory.
The US State Department defended the deal publicly. Officials said the sale supports Taiwan’s military modernisation. They said it helps maintain credible defensive capabilities. Washington framed the agreement as serving national interests.
Taiwan plans higher defence spending
China has repeatedly pledged reunification with Taiwan. Beijing has never ruled out using force. Taiwanese leaders increasingly treat the threat as serious. 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.
Tensions spread across East Asia
China has grown more assertive across the region. Neighbouring countries have voiced concern. 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.
