The U.S. has clarified that a proposed $14 billion arms deal with Taiwan has not been halted, according to Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The package is currently under review, which Rubio describes as a standard part of the administrative process. Speaking to the U.S. Senate, Rubio emphasized that the large scale of the deal necessitates careful evaluation, and calling it “paused” is misleading. This assessment is crucial given its potential impact on the country’s defense production capabilities.
Speculation about the status of the arms package intensified after reports surfaced that President Donald Trump considered it a potential negotiating tool in talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping. Further concerns were raised by a senior U.S. defense official’s comments on reassessing certain weapons transfers to ensure that U.S. military stockpiles remain sufficient.
Rubio pointed out that an $11 billion arms package for Taiwan was approved last December, marking the largest such sale in U.S. history. This decision faced strong opposition from China, which responded by escalating military activities in the vicinity of Taiwan. Despite these tensions, Rubio reaffirmed that U.S. policy towards Taiwan remains consistent and that American decisions on arms sales to Taiwan do not involve consultations with Beijing.
The secretary underscored the importance of maintaining stability and the status quo across the Taiwan Strait. As of now, the proposed $14 billion arms package continues to be evaluated, with no final decision yet announced.
