Washington has approved an $11 billion arms package for Taiwan, one of the largest in recent years, Taipei announced Thursday, as the island seeks to bolster defenses against potential Chinese aggression.
The proposed sale, which still requires US Congressional approval, includes HIMARS rocket systems, howitzers, anti-tank missiles, drones, and other military equipment, according to Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. This follows a smaller $330 million sale of parts and components in November and would be the second arms package announced since President Donald Trump returned to office in January.
“This is the second arms sale to Taiwan announced during the Trump administration’s second term, once again demonstrating the US’s firm commitment to Taiwan’s security,” the ministry said.
The $11 billion package approaches the scale of the $18 billion approved under former President George W. Bush in 2001, though that was later reduced to $15.6 billion after negotiations. During Trump’s first term, the US approved $10 billion in arms sales to Taiwan, including $8 billion for fighter jets.
Taiwan relies heavily on US military support, despite maintaining its own defense industry, as it would be significantly outgunned in a conflict with China. The island’s defense ministry said the latest sale will help Taipei “rapidly build robust deterrence capabilities.”
Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te has pledged to raise defense spending to over three percent of GDP next year and five percent by 2030. The government also plans to seek up to NT$1 trillion in special funding to upgrade air defense systems and expand ammunition production and storage, pending approval by the opposition-controlled legislature.
China continues to exert pressure through near-daily “grey-zone” operations, deploying military aircraft and naval vessels around Taiwan. Taipei reported detecting 40 Chinese aircraft—including fighters, helicopters, and drones—and eight naval vessels in a 24-hour period ending Thursday. On Tuesday, Beijing’s newest aircraft carrier, the Fujian, sailed through the Taiwan Strait.
The arms sale underscores Washington’s ongoing support for Taipei amid growing regional tensions and serves as a signal of deterrence against potential Chinese military action.
