President Trump announced Friday that he remains undecided on a $14 billion weapons package for Taiwan after holding extensive discussions with Chinese President Xi Jinping. The package, which includes missiles and air defense interceptors, has been stalled for months amidst escalating tensions between Washington and Beijing.
Trump Prioritizes Stability
Trump emphasized his reluctance to provoke conflict over Taiwan during a press briefing aboard Air Force One. "The last thing we need right now is a war that's 9,500 miles away," he stated, highlighting his focus on avoiding hostilities. The President acknowledged the U.S.'s 1982 "six assurances" policy, which commits Washington not to consult Beijing on arms sales to Taiwan, but dismissed it as outdated.
"What am I going to do, say I don't want to talk to you about it because I have an agreement wrote in 1982? No, we discussed arms sales," Trump remarked.
Regional Allies React
The uncertainty surrounding the arms deal has alarmed Taiwan’s pro-U.S. government and regional allies, including Japan and South Korea. Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, known for her hawkish stance on Taiwan, reportedly received a detailed briefing from Trump on his discussions with Xi. Taiwan’s parliament recently approved $25 billion in funding for the $14 billion package and an $11 billion tranche authorized by Trump last year, despite Beijing’s warnings against further arms deliveries.
U.S. Policy on Taiwan Remains Unchanged
Secretary of State Marco Rubio affirmed that U.S. policy toward Taiwan remains consistent, though Trump’s statements suggest Taiwan is a lower priority for Washington than for Beijing. The delay in finalizing the arms deal underscores the delicate balance the U.S. must maintain in its approach to Taiwan, a key issue for Xi Jinping.
The Trump administration’s hesitation reflects broader concerns over escalating tensions in the region, as U.S. allies watch closely for signals of America's commitment to Taiwan’s defense.