Taipei: Taiwan confirmed on Thursday that the United States has officially begun the process for a historic $11.1 billion arms sale, marking a major step in security cooperation between Washington and Taipei and triggering strong objections from Beijing. The announcement underscores the island’s efforts to strengthen its defense capabilities amid growing military pressure from China.
The Taiwanese Ministry of Defense said the U.S. has initiated the required congressional notification procedure, a legal step under American law that allows lawmakers to review arms sales before final approval. The proposed package includes eight advanced defense systems and associated equipment, reflecting Washington’s continued commitment to Taiwan’s self-defense.
Officials in Taipei outlined that the package includes HIMARS rocket systems, modern artillery pieces, anti-tank missiles, loitering drones, and additional support equipment. These systems are designed to bolster Taiwan’s asymmetric warfare strategy, which focuses on mobility, flexibility, and cost-effective solutions to counter larger adversaries. If approved, this sale would be the largest security assistance package ever offered by the United States to Taiwan, surpassing previous deals both in scale and strategic significance.
Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te emphasized that the move strengthens national security and aligns with the government’s long-term defense strategy. In addition to the arms sale, Taipei has proposed a $40 billion defense budget through 2033, signaling a continued commitment to modernizing its military capabilities.
China quickly denounced the planned sale, warning that such actions “undermine peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait.” Beijing reaffirmed its claim over Taiwan and criticized the growing military collaboration between Taipei and Washington as interference in its internal affairs. Chinese authorities argue that such arms deals exacerbate regional tensions and could provoke escalation, further complicating cross-strait relations.
Analysts note that arms sales to Taiwan have historically been a flashpoint in U.S.–China relations, with Beijing viewing each transaction as a challenge to its sovereignty claims, while Washington maintains that its actions are purely defensive and in line with international law.
Although the United States does not formally recognize Taiwan diplomatically, its Taiwan Relations Act obligates Washington to ensure that Taipei possesses the means to defend itself. The current package is the second major arms sale under the Biden administration since 2024, reinforcing U.S. support for Taiwan’s security despite ongoing tensions with China in the region.
The congressional notification now allows U.S. lawmakers to review the proposed arms sale over a 30-day period. While bipartisan support for Taiwan’s security is strong, some members of Congress may raise questions about the sale’s potential impact on U.S.–China relations. Observers expect, however, that the package will likely move forward given the strategic importance placed on Taiwan in Washington’s Indo-Pacific policy.
This sale reflects a historic reinforcement of the U.S.–Taiwan security partnership, signaling Washington’s determination to support Taipei’s defense needs as China continues to assert its military presence in the Asia-Pacific region. The decision is expected to shape regional dynamics in the months ahead, with implications for cross-strait stability and broader U.S.–China relations.