U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has clarified that a US$14 billion arms package for Taiwan is still under review and has not been paused, countering recent claims that it was halted. Speaking to the U.S. Senate, Rubio emphasized that the review process is a standard procedure due to the package’s significant size and its potential implications for U.S. defense production capabilities.
Concerns about the arms deal arose after President Donald Trump reportedly mentioned it as a potential point of negotiation with Chinese President Xi Jinping. Further apprehensions were stirred by comments from a senior U.S. defense official, who suggested that certain weapon transfers might be reassessed to ensure the U.S. maintains adequate military stockpiles.
Rubio also pointed out that last December, the U.S. approved an arms sale to Taiwan valued at approximately US$11 billion, marking it as the largest sale in U.S. history. This decision was met with strong opposition from China, which responded by increasing its military activities near Taiwan.
Reaffirming U.S. policy, Rubio stated that decisions regarding arms sales to Taiwan are made without consulting Beijing, underscoring the commitment to maintaining stability and the status quo across the Taiwan Strait. The proposed US$14 billion arms package remains under consideration, with no final decision yet made.