The US has reopened discussions on a multi-billion dollar arms sale to Taiwan, potentially jeopardizing the upcoming leaders' summit with China, already strained by trade tensions.
US President Donald Trump announced new arms sales to NATO allies and Ukraine, including advanced air defence systems, during a summit in Ankara. He highlighted a planned Patriot missile maintenance facility and a license for Ukraine to manufacture Patriot interceptor missiles, signaling a strengthened military partnership.
US President Donald Trump announced new arms sales to Europe, including advanced air defence systems for Ukraine, during the Nato summit in Ankara. He highlighted a planned Patriot missile maintenance facility and stated that American equipment would be a major beneficiary of European military rebuilding.
China's embassy in Washington warned the US against mishandling the Taiwan issue, stating it risks direct confrontation or conflict. This follows US Assistant Secretary Michael Desombre's remarks on arms sales to Taiwan, which Beijing opposes.
During the G7 summit in France, Donald Trump criticized former President Barack Obama's decision to send $350 billion in weapons to Ukraine, calling it "madness." He contrasted this with his own administration's approach. US media reports, like CNN's, cite significantly lower figures for Obama's aid to Ukraine.
North Korea has denounced the US approval of advanced air-to-air missile sales to South Korea, labeling them "war exports" and warning of escalating tensions on the Korean peninsula. Pyongyang criticized the move as part of a broader US strategy to increase military collusion and confrontation in the region.
North Korea's Foreign Ministry condemned the US approval of advanced air-to-air missile sales to South Korea, warning of escalating tensions. Meanwhile, India summoned the US charge d'affaires for the second time in two days to protest US attacks on commercial ships off Oman, which killed three Indian sailors.
Taiwan's US representative expects approval for new arms sales from Washington, while opposition leader Cheng Li-wun clarifies her party's stance during a Washington visit, emphasizing cooperation over procedural concerns.
A scheduled meeting between KMT Chairwoman Cheng Li-wun and US National Security Council officials in Washington was canceled. The venue was downgraded, and officials were of lower rank, reportedly due to Cheng's comments on arms sales and the defense budget, which align with Beijing's rhetoric.
Taiwanese official Cheng met with US lawmakers, stressing the KMT's commitment to military cooperation but also the need for financially sound defense acquisitions. Cheng's visit includes stops in San Francisco, Boston, and New York, with Washington being the main destination.
Taiwan's defense budget for US arms sales faces potential delays. The article urges Taiwan to clarify payment schedules and training arrangements for HIMARS and other weapons, emphasizing that self-preparedness is crucial regardless of US decisions.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated on May 2nd that there is no change in the US policy of maintaining the status quo in the Taiwan Strait. He also mentioned that the sale of arms to Taiwan, worth $14 billion, is still under review.
The US has adjusted its rhetoric on China, moving from labeling it the 'primary threat' to emphasizing a 'measured and deliberate strength' approach, while still acknowledging the shared concern over China's military expansion and its impact on the Pacific region's balance of power.
A U.S. Congressional delegation at the IISS Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore reaffirmed strong bipartisan support for Taiwan's security, despite tensions with China, highlighting approved arms sales and commitment to the island's self-defense.
US defence industry leaders advocate for increased commercial cooperation with Taiwan to enhance its military capabilities amid growing Chinese pressure, while addressing concerns over US arms sales being used as a negotiating chip with Beijing.
Experts dismiss link between US-Iran conflict and pause in $14bn Taiwan arms package, citing lengthy processing times and US law mandating defensive supplies to Taiwan
US official Cao stated that foreign military sales to Taiwan will continue when the administration deems necessary, while Taiwan's Koo confirmed no notification of policy change. The Pentagon noted final decisions rest with Trump, with US policy under the Taiwan Relations Act unchanged.
US arms sales to Taiwan are delayed due to depleted US ammunition stocks from Middle East conflicts and ongoing US-China discussions. Congress is pushing to approve a $14 billion arms package to reaffirm commitment to Taiwan's defense.
Former Taiwan War College lecturer Liao Hong-hsiang suggests Trump's detailed discussion of $10B Taiwan arms sales with Xi Jinping was a strategic error, revealing his transactional approach. Liao argues Trump's potential call with Lai Ching-te is a negotiation tactic, not genuine diplomatic intent, aimed at pressuring Beijing for trade concessions.
US acting Navy Secretary Carlos Del Toro reportedly stated Taiwan arms sales were paused due to the Iran conflict. However, US sources deny this, stating President Trump will soon decide on new sales, unrelated to military actions against Iran. Legislator Hsu Chiao-hsin urged Taiwan's government to clearly convey its stance.
US Senators introduced a resolution reaffirming the Taiwan Relations Act and the US-Taiwan partnership, including the Six Assurances, emphasizing no consultation with Beijing on arms sales. Senator Shaheen called for the Trump administration to notify Congress of a $14 billion arms sale.
Taiwan's government stated it has no knowledge of any "adjustments" to US arms sales, following a US official's confirmation of a hold on deliveries due to the attack on Iran and the need to replenish domestic stockpiles.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressed President Trump's disappointment with NATO over Iran policy. Meanwhile, Iran's military capabilities are rebuilding faster than expected, and the US has suspended arms sales to Taiwan to prioritize ammunition for operations related to Iran.
China's foreign ministry reiterated its "consistent, clear and unwavering" opposition to US arms sales to Taiwan. A US official indicated sales would continue when deemed necessary, while Taiwan's presidential office stated no information suggests adjustments to the sales.
