The United States has announced its largest-ever arms package for Taiwan, approving military sales worth more than $11 billion. The move is expected to significantly raise tensions with China, which strongly opposes US military support to Taipei.
The announcement was made by the US State Department during a televised address by President Donald Trump. While Trump did not mention Taiwan directly, the timing of the disclosure has drawn global attention.
What the US Is Selling to Taiwan
According to official details, the package includes advanced missile systems, artillery, drones, military software, and helicopter support equipment. Many of these systems are similar to those supplied by Washington to Ukraine.
- 82 M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS)
- 420 MGM-140 Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS)
- 120 M109A7 “Paladin” self-propelled howitzers and M992A3 ammunition carriers
- 1,545 TOW 2B anti-tank guided missiles
- 1,050 FGM-148F Javelin anti-tank missiles
- ALTIUS-600M and ALTIUS-700M loitering munition (drone strike) systems
- Harpoon anti-ship missile seekers and repair kits
- US Armed Forces Tactical Mission Network (TMN)
- Spare and repair parts for AH-1W SuperCobra attack helicopters
Why This Arms Sale Matters
US officials say the weapons package is aimed at strengthening Taiwan’s defensive capabilities and maintaining stability in the Indo-Pacific region. The systems are designed to improve Taiwan’s ability to deter military pressure and respond to potential conflict scenarios.
Washington has repeatedly stated that these sales are defensive in nature and align with the Taiwan Relations Act, which allows the US to support Taiwan’s self-defense.
China’s Likely Response
China considers Taiwan part of its territory and has consistently opposed foreign military assistance to the island. Beijing has previously responded to similar arms sales with diplomatic protests, military drills, and sanctions on US defense firms.
Analysts expect China to strongly condemn the deal, calling it a threat to regional peace and stability.
Rising Geopolitical Tensions in Asia
The arms package comes amid growing US-China rivalry, increased Chinese military activity around Taiwan, and heightened global focus on security in the Asia-Pacific region.
With advanced missile systems, long-range rockets, and drone weapons now part of Taiwan’s arsenal, the deal marks a major shift in the military balance and could shape regional geopolitics for years to come.
China Warns U.S. Over Taiwan Arms Sale
China on Thursday urged the United States to immediately stop supplying weapons to Taiwan after Taipei said Washington approved an $11 billion arms sale. Beijing said the move violates the one-China principle and called the arms transfer a dangerous action that risks raising tensions
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