US navy chief says $14bn arms sale to Taiwan paused due to Iran war

May 22, 2026

The United States has temporarily halted a $14 billion weapons sale to Taiwan, with acting Navy Secretary Hung Cao citing the need to ensure adequate munitions are available for the joint US-Israel military operation in Iran, code-named Epic Fury. President Trump has indicated the arms package could serve as leverage in negotiations with Chinese President Xi Jinping, who has emphasized that Taiwan represents the most critical issue in US-China relations. This pause represents a significant shift in US policy, as Trump has discussed the sale directly with Xi despite a 1982 pledge not to consult Beijing on such matters, and has suggested he may speak directly with Taiwan's leader about the deal.

Who is affected

Taiwan and its leader Lai Ching-te
The United States military and Navy
Acting Navy Secretary Hung Cao
President Donald Trump
Chinese leader Xi Jinping and Beijing
Israel (involved in Operation Epic Fury)
Defense contractors like Lockheed Martin
Residents and governments in the Taiwan Strait region

What action is being taken

The US is pausing the $14 billion arms sale to Taiwan
The US and Israel are conducting a joint military operation in Iran (Operation Epic Fury)
The US is ensuring it has sufficient munitions for the Iran operation
Beijing is claiming Taiwan as its territory

Why it matters

This pause in arms sales represents a major shift in US-Taiwan relations and regional security dynamics. Taiwan relies heavily on US weapons to defend against potential Chinese military action, and these sales have been described by Taiwan's leader as essential for maintaining peace and stability in the region. The decision signals that Trump may be using Taiwan's security as a bargaining chip in negotiations with China, breaking from longstanding diplomatic protocols including the 1982 US commitment not to consult Beijing on Taiwan arms sales. This creates uncertainty about US commitment to Taiwan's defense at a time when China has increased military pressure and Taiwan has significantly boosted its defense spending in response.

What's next

Trump will make a determination on the weapons sale "over the next fairly short period"
Foreign military sales will continue "when the administration deems necessary"
Trump indicated he would talk directly to Taiwanese leader Lai Ching-te about the sale

Read full article from source: BBC