The Trump administration has approved one of its largest ever packages of arms sales – worth about $11 billion (£8.2 billion) – to Taiwan, drawing an angry response from China.
The proposed package, which still requires approval from the U.S. Congress, would exceed all arms sales to Taiwan made under President Joe Biden, which totalled more than $8.38 billion in 19 rounds.
It would also amount to more than half of the $18.3 billion in weapons sold to Taiwan during Donald Trump’s first term in office.
The package was announced by the U.S. State Department late Wednesday, coinciding with a nationally televised address by President Trump, who made scant reference to foreign policy and did not mention China or Taiwan.
The package features eight arms sales agreements, including 82 High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS) and 420 Army Tactical Missile Systems, worth more than $4 billion. These are similar to weapons provided to Ukraine during the Biden administration.
It also includes 60 self-propelled howitzer systems and related equipment valued at more than $4 billion, as well as Altius loitering drones worth more than $1 billion.
The extensive package will also include military software valued at more than $1 billion, Javelin and TOW missiles worth more than $700 million, helicopter spare parts worth $96 million, and refurbishment kits for Harpoon missiles worth $91 million.
If approved, the package would mark a major infusion of military aid to the self-governed democratic island, which says it is preparing for an “imminent invasion” by China.
China considers Taiwan an inseparable part of its territory and insists the island of 23 million people must eventually be unified with the mainland, by force if necessary. Beijing has ramped up pressure on Taiwan through regular military drills in nearby waters and airspace.
The U.S. does not maintain formal diplomatic relations with Taiwan but follows a policy of “strategic ambiguity,” under which Washington does not explicitly promise to defend the island while continuing to supply it with defensive weapons.
Taiwan’s defense ministry welcomed the package Thursday and thanked the U.S., saying that, if approved, it would help the island “rapidly build robust deterrence capabilities.”
“Taiwan’s bolstering of its defense is the foundation for maintaining regional peace and stability,” the ministry said.
The State Department said the sales serve “U.S. national, economic, and security interests” by supporting Taiwan’s efforts to modernize its armed forces and maintain a credible defensive capability.
“The proposed sale(s) will help improve the security of the recipient and assist in maintaining political stability, military balance, and economic progress in the region,” it said.
