Defense Minister Wellington Koo reaffirmed that Taiwan will coordinate with U.S. lawmakers and the Department of War to ensure weapons shipments proceed on schedule. These efforts persist despite President Donald Trump holding a proposed US$14 billion weapons package in abeyance following talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping. Analysts note that when deliveries finally resume, the pending package may be broken up into smaller individual tranches while preserving the overall financial valuation.
Key points
Taiwanese defense officials anticipate that arms shipments may ultimately be disbursed in…: Taiwanese defense officials anticipate that arms shipments may ultimately be disbursed in smaller installments.
Diplomatic analysts expect America's Indo-Pacific strategy to maintain overall stability…: Diplomatic analysts expect America's Indo-Pacific strategy to maintain overall stability under Secretary of State Rubio.
Four congressional Republicans urged the administration in September to release more than…: Four congressional Republicans urged the administration in September to release more than US$15 billion in assistance.
Sources checked by our analysis pipeline: 1
While US President Donald Trump last December approved US$11 billion in arms for Taiwan, a second package worth about US$14 billion has stalled.
TAIPEI: Taiwan has always enjoyed cross-party US support and Congress will continue to help in strengthening Taipei's defence capabilities, Defence Minister Wellington Koo said on Thursday (Nov 5) when asked about arms sales following the US midterm elections.
The United States is Chinese-claimed Taiwan's most important international backer and weapons supplier, despite the lack of formal diplomatic ties.
While President Donald Trump last December approved US$11 billion in arms for Taiwan, the largest sale ever, a second package worth about US$14 billion has stalled.
Following a meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping in May, Trump called the package a good "bargaining chip" that he was holding in "abeyance".
China regularly describes Taiwan as its most sensitive and important diplomatic issue, and has repeatedly called for arms sales to stop. The US is bound by law to provide Taiwan with the means to defend itself.
Taiwan's government rejects Beijing's sovereignty claims, saying only the island's people can decide…
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