The Trump administration announced a major weapons sale to Taiwan worth around $11bn. The package includes advanced rocket launchers, self-propelled howitzers, and a range of missile systems. US officials released the announcement late Wednesday. Congress must approve the deal before it proceeds. The administration presented the sale as a response to regional security challenges.
The package marks the second arms sale to Taiwan since Donald Trump returned to the White House in January. The administration continues to deepen military cooperation with Taipei. Officials described the deal as necessary amid shifting strategic conditions. The sale significantly strengthens Taiwan’s defensive capabilities.
China increases military activity around Taiwan
China considers Taiwan a breakaway province and opposes its self-rule. Beijing has steadily increased pressure through frequent military drills. Chinese aircraft and naval vessels regularly enter surrounding airspace and waters. These operations have driven tensions higher across the region.
Taiwan’s defence ministry welcomed the announcement on Thursday. Officials said the sale would help rapidly build strong deterrence capabilities. The ministry emphasised the importance of effective self-defence. Taiwan continues to face growing military pressure.
Longstanding diplomatic balance remains intact
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 supporter. American companies supply 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 seriously harmed its sovereignty and security interests.
High-cost systems form the backbone of the deal
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 published details late Wednesday. Officials said the systems improve mobility and strike 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 amount. Analysts interpret the size as a strong political signal.
Trump continues earlier arms sales strategy
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 new sale follows the same direction.
The US State Department defended the agreement publicly. Officials said the sale supports Taiwan’s military modernisation. They said it helps preserve credible defensive strength. Washington framed the deal as aligned with national interests.
Taiwan plans sharp rise in defence spending
China has repeatedly pledged reunification with Taiwan. Beijing has never ruled out the use of 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.
Regional tensions spill beyond the strait
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.
