US Approves Largest‑Ever $11.1 Billion Arms Package for Taiwan

World 01:17 PM - 2025-12-18

The flags of Taiwan and US.

The United States has approved a record $11.1 billion arms package for Taiwan, the largest ever weapons sale to Taiwan amid intensifying military and diplomatic pressure from China. 

The announcement marks the second major arms approval under President Donald Trump’s current administration and comes as Beijing continues to assert its claims over Taiwan. 

Details of the Arms Package

According to Taiwan’s Ministry of Defence, the proposed sale covers eight defence items designed to strengthen Taipei’s self‑defence capabilities. These include High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS), howitzers, Javelin anti‑tank missiles, loitering munition drones, and associated equipment. 

The package is intended to help Taiwan build a credible deterrent capability and enhance its asymmetric warfare potential, a strategy focused on mobile and cost‑effective defensive systems. 

Political and Regional Reactions

Taiwan’s government welcomed the approval, reaffirming its commitment to bolster national defence and improve resilience in the face of ongoing military pressure from China. President of the Republic of China, Lai Ching‑te has also proposed a supplementary $40 billion defence budget through 2033 to support modernisation efforts. 

China condemned the sale, insisting that such actions undermine peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait and warning that the United States should respect the “one China” policy. Beijing views Taiwan as part of its sovereign territory and repeatedly opposes foreign arms sales to the island. 

Congressional Review and Next Steps

The arms package has now entered the Congressional notification stage, during which lawmakers have the opportunity to review, block, or alter the proposed sale. If approved, formal contracts will be signed and deliveries scheduled in subsequent months. 

The record‑breaking sale underscores Washington’s ongoing support for Taiwan’s defence under the Taiwan Relations Act, even as US‑China relations remain strained over trade, technology, and security issues in the Indo‑Pacific region.

Sources: Reuters, Taipei Times, CNA


PUKMEDIA