$14 Billion US Arms Deal for Taiwan Stalled Amid China Talks

A proposed $14 billion US arms package for Taiwan remains stalled as Washington seeks to maintain diplomatic engagement with Beijing, raising uncertainty over the timing of future weapons deliveries to the self-governing island.

Taiwanese Defense Minister Wellington Koo said Thursday that he expects continued bipartisan support from the US Congress following the midterm elections, in which Democrats secured control of both chambers.

President Donald Trump approved a record $11 billion arms package for Taiwan in December 2025, but a second package worth approximately $14 billion has remained on hold.

Following his meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping in May, Trump described the proposed sale as a negotiating asset and said its approval was being held in abeyance.

Beijing has repeatedly demanded that Washington halt arms sales to Taiwan, which China claims as its territory.

Speaking to reporters at Taiwan's parliament, Koo said Taipei would maintain close communication with US lawmakers and the Department of War to ensure that planned defense acquisitions proceed.

In September, four Republican lawmakers urged the Trump administration to release more than $15 billion in stalled security assistance for Taiwan, including the proposed arms package.

Taiwanese officials have acknowledged that approval could be delayed until 2027.

Security analysts have also suggested that Washington could eventually divide the package into smaller transactions, although no such arrangement has been officially announced.

Trump is expected to meet Xi again at the APEC summit in China later this month and at the G20 summit in Florida in December.

Despite the delay, Taiwan's government maintains that US security commitments remain unchanged.

Washington is required under US law to provide Taiwan with the means to maintain its self-defense capabilities, while Beijing continues to oppose American military support for the island.