US Approves Largest Arms Sale to Taiwan
The United States government has approved a major arms sale to Taiwan worth approximately $11.1 billion, marking the largest weapons package of its kind approved in recent years. The decision underscores Washington’s continuing military support for Taipei as it faces increasing pressure and military activity from China, which claims Taiwan as its territory.
What the Arms Package Includes
The approved sale includes a wide range of defence equipment and systems designed to enhance Taiwan’s self-defence capabilities. While full details of the specific weapons and technology involved were not publicly released, U.S. arms exports to Taiwan typically cover advanced missiles, combat aircraft systems, air defence missiles and related support equipment. The package will be supplied under a long-term Foreign Military Sales (FMS) process, a government-to-government arrangement managed by the U.S. Defense Security Cooperation Agency.
Strategic and Political Context
The approval comes amid heightened tensions across the Taiwan Strait, where China has increased military exercises and patrols near Taiwanese airspace and waters. The U.S. has described its arms sales as consistent with legal obligations to help Taipei maintain adequate self-defence under the Taiwan Relations Act. Chinese officials have consistently objected to U.S. arms sales to Taiwan, calling them interference in China’s internal affairs and a threat to regional stability.
Reactions and Implications
Taiwanese authorities welcomed the approval and said it would further strengthen their defensive posture. U.S. lawmakers from both political parties also voiced support, arguing that robust defence cooperation with Taiwan contributes to peace and deterrence in the Indo-Pacific region. Analysts say the package is likely to influence the strategic balance, even as it draws protest from Beijing.
