US Approves $10B Arms Sale to Taiwan, Angering China

The Trump administration has approved a massive arms sale to Taiwan worth more than $10 billion. The deal includes advanced missiles, howitzers, drones, and other military equipment. This move is expected to upset China, which strongly opposes any country supplying weapons to Taiwan.

What the Deal Includes

The U.S. State Department revealed the details late Wednesday during a televised address by President Donald Trump. The announcement included eight major agreements:

• 82 HIMARS rocket systems

• 420 Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS) — similar to those supplied to Ukraine in the past

• 60 self-propelled howitzer systems

• Drones worth more than $1 billion

• Military software valued over $1 billion

• Javelin and TOW missiles worth $700 million

• Helicopter spare parts worth $96 million

• Harpoon missile refurbishment kits worth $91 million

The cost of HIMARS and ATACMS alone exceeds $4 billion, and the howitzer systems are valued at another $4 billion.

Why the U.S. Approved the Deal

The State Department said the deal supports U.S. national and security interests. It aims to help Taiwan modernize its military and maintain strong defense systems. Officials also said the sale will help:

• strengthen Taiwan’s self-defense

• support political stability

• maintain military balance in the region

• boost economic progress

Under U.S. law, America is required to help Taiwan defend itself. This commitment has become more controversial as China increases military pressure on Taiwan.

Why This Upsets China

China considers Taiwan a part of its territory and has warned it may use force to reunify the island with the mainland. The Chinese embassy in Washington strongly criticized the new legislation linked to the arms deal.

China claims the U.S. is:

• exaggerating the “China threat”

• supporting Taiwan’s military in a provocative manner

• interfering in China’s development

• damaging U.S.–China relations

Taiwan Reacts

Taiwan’s Defense Ministry thanked the U.S., saying the sale helps Taiwan maintain strong defense and prevent war. Taiwan’s Foreign Minister also praised the long-term support.

Taiwan says boosting its military spending:

• is necessary for peace

• helps protect the Taiwan Strait

• deters potential attacks

To support this, Taiwan plans to increase defense spending to 3.3% of GDP next year and aims for 5% by 2030. President Lai Ching-te recently announced a $40 billion special defense budget, including a new air defense system called Taiwan Dome.

Political Background

The arms sale aligns with new U.S. legislation expected to be approved soon. The National Defense Authorization Act includes more restrictions on China and additional military help for Taiwan. China has strongly protested this bill.

The U.S. Senate passed the legislation on Wednesday, and President Trump is expected to sign it.

This $10 billion arms sale strengthens U.S.–Taiwan ties and boosts Taiwan’s defense capabilities. However, it adds new tension to already strained U.S.–China relations. The deal may influence future diplomacy, regional security, and military balance in Asia.