The United States has approved one of its largest-ever arms sales to Taiwan, a deal worth $11.1 billion that is expected to anger Beijing, which considers the self-ruled island part of its territory.
Announced late Wednesday by the US State Department during a nationally televised address by President Donald Trump, the package includes advanced military systems aimed at bolstering Taiwan’s defensive capabilities. Key components of the deal include 82 High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS) and 420 Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS), worth more than $4 billion, as well as 60 self-propelled howitzer artillery systems and drones valued at over $1 billion.
Other elements of the sale encompass military software exceeding $1 billion, Javelin and TOW missiles worth $700 million, helicopter spare parts for $96 million, and refurbishment kits for Harpoon missiles at $91 million. Many of the systems mirror the equipment the US has provided to Ukraine to counter Russian aerial attacks.
“The United States continues to assist Taiwan in maintaining sufficient self-defense capabilities and in rapidly building strong deterrent power,” Taiwan’s defense ministry said in response to the announcement. Taiwan’s presidential office emphasized the island’s commitment to strengthening national defense and societal resilience, describing the purchase as a measure to “safeguard peace through strength.”
The Pentagon stated that the sales serve US national, economic, and security interests by supporting Taiwan’s efforts to modernize its armed forces and maintain a “credible defensive capability.”
China’s Taiwan Affairs Office, however, condemned the deal, calling it interference in internal affairs and warning that US arms sales could turn Taiwan into a “war porcupine” and its population into “cannon fodder.” Spokesperson Zhu Fenglian urged Washington to respect the “One China” principle and halt military engagement with the island.
The arms package follows Taiwan President William Lai Ching-te’s announcement last month of a $40 billion supplementary defense budget for 2026–2033, underscoring the island’s determination to prioritize national security.
The US approval of the sale is likely to intensify tensions across the Taiwan Strait, raising concerns about regional stability and potential retaliation from Beijing.
