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US announces largest-ever arms sale to Taiwan, tough reaction expected from Beijing
2025-12-18 16:36:01 / BOTA
The US War Department has approved an $11.1 billion arms sale to Taiwan, marking the largest US arms package ever for the island, following a $330 million deal in November for spare parts and repairs for aircraft.
The deal includes eight separate purchases covering 82 HIMARS missile systems and 420 ATACMS missiles worth over $4 billion, anti-tank missiles, anti-personnel missiles, mobile suicide drones, howitzers, military software and parts for other equipment, according to details released by both governments and Taiwan's defense ministry.
China, which considers the self-governing island part of its territory, has yet to comment on the deal but has repeatedly condemned Washington's ongoing military cooperation with Taiwan.
The island's defense ministry said the purchases should help Taiwan maintain "sufficient self-defense capabilities," while the US continues to help it build "strong deterrent power" and exploit "asymmetric warfare advantages," which it described as "the foundation for maintaining regional peace and stability."
The ministry said the package was in the Congressional notification phase, when lawmakers can block or modify the sale if they wish.
In a series of separate statements detailing the deal, the Pentagon said the proposed sales would advance U.S. national, economic and security interests by supporting Taiwan's efforts to modernize its armed forces and maintain what it called a "credible defense capability."
Pushed by the US, the island has increased military purchases in recent years and the latest arms sale announcement is the second under US President Donald Trump since he returned to office.
Officially, the US supports the One China policy, stating that Taiwan, which has maintained de facto self-rule since 1949 but has never officially declared independence from Beijing, is an integral part of the country.
However, Washington has maintained contact with authorities in Taipei, continued to supply arms to Taiwan and promised to defend the island militarily in the event of a conflict with the mainland.
China has repeatedly said its goal is "peaceful reunification" with Taiwan, but has warned that Beijing will not hesitate to use force if the latter formally declares independence.
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