US announces $11bn weapons sale to Taiwan

December 18, 2025

The Trump administration has unveiled an approximately $11 billion arms package for Taiwan that includes advanced weaponry such as rocket launchers, howitzers, and various missile systems, pending Congressional approval. This represents the second weapons deal since Trump's return to office and significantly exceeds the total arms sales made during Biden's entire presidency. Beijing has sharply criticized the transaction, warning it undermines Chinese sovereignty and could escalate tensions across the Taiwan Strait, while Taiwan's defense ministry welcomed the sale as essential for strengthening its deterrent capabilities.

Who is affected

Taiwan (self-governed island receiving the arms)
The Trump administration and US government
China/Beijing (opposing the sale)
US Congress (must approve the deal)
Taiwan's defense ministry
Regional neighbors including Japan (facing Chinese military assertiveness)
President Lai Ching-te of Taiwan

What action is being taken

The Trump administration is selling approximately $11 billion in arms to Taiwan
China is condemning the arms sale
China is conducting military drills and regular incursions into Taiwan's waters and airspace
Taiwan is planning to boost defense spending to more than 3% of GDP next year and up to 5% by 2030
Chinese and Japanese boats are facing off near disputed islands
Chinese fighter jets are locking radar on Japanese aircraft

Why it matters

This arms sale is significant because it represents a major escalation in US military support to Taiwan, with this single package nearly matching all arms sales during Biden's four-year term. The deal intensifies the already volatile situation in the Taiwan Strait, where China has been increasingly aggressive with military exercises and territorial incursions. The sale underscores the delicate diplomatic balance the US maintains between its formal ties with Beijing and its security commitments to Taiwan, while China's threat to use force for "reunification" makes Taiwan's defensive capabilities critically important for regional stability and potentially global security.

What's next

The arms package still needs to be approved by the US Congress before it can proceed.

Read full article from source: BBC