“The United States has approved the sale of arms to Taiwan worth $11.1 billion, the largest package ever given to the country by the United States.”, — write: www.pravda.com.ua
illustrative photo: Getty Images Source: Reuters citing a statement from Taiwan’s Ministry of Defense
Details: The announcement of arms sales to Taiwan is the second under the current administration of US President Donald Trump. It appeared against the background of increased military and diplomatic pressure from China.
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The proposed arms deal covers eight items, including HIMARS missile systems, howitzers, Javelin anti-tank missiles, Altius drone barrage munitions and parts for other equipment.
Literally from a statement from Taiwan’s Ministry of Defense: “The United States continues to assist Taiwan in maintaining a sufficient self-defense capability, rapidly building a powerful deterrent force, and taking advantage of asymmetric warfare, which is the basis for maintaining peace and stability in the region.”
Details: The Ministry noted that the package is under review by the US Congress.
In a series of separate statements announcing details of the arms deal, the Pentagon said the arms sale is in the national, economic and security interests of the US as it supports Taiwan’s ongoing efforts to modernize its armed forces and maintain a “reliable defense capability”.
Under pressure from the US, Taiwan is working to transform its armed forces so they can wage “asymmetric warfare” using mobile, smaller and often cheaper weapons.
“Our country will continue to promote defense reforms, strengthen the defense capability of the entire society, and demonstrate our determination to defend ourselves and ensure peace through force,” Taiwan’s presidential office spokeswoman Karen Kuo said, thanking the US for the arms sale.
What preceded: Taiwan President Lai Tsinghe has announced plans to increase the country’s defense budget to a record and unveil an additional $40 billion funding package amid an unprecedentedly growing military threat from China.
Prehistory:
- Tensions around Taiwan have risen significantly in recent months. In October 2024, China conducted large-scale military exercises “Joint Sword-2024B”, during which the encirclement of the island and the blockade of ports were practiced.
- According to US intelligence, Xi Jinping has ordered his military to be ready for an operation to seize Taiwan by 2027.
- In April 2025, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth ordered that deterring a possible takeover of Taiwan by China be a top priority for the US military. For this, the Pentagon plans to strengthen the defense of the island, “taking risks” in Europe and other regions of the world, which are currently considered less threatening.