U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has assured that the $14 billion arms deal intended for Taiwan is still progressing through the standard governmental procedures and has not been halted. During a session with the U.S. Senate, Rubio clarified that the arms package remains under scrutiny, emphasizing that labeling it as “paused” is misleading. The evaluation is deemed necessary due to the package’s substantial size and the implications it may have on the U.S.’s defense production capabilities.
Speculation about the status of the arms deal emerged when President Donald Trump reportedly mentioned using it as leverage in talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping. Further apprehension followed comments from a high-ranking U.S. defense official, who indicated that certain weapon transfers were being reexamined to ensure that U.S. military stockpiles are sufficiently maintained.
Rubio pointed out that a previous arms package valued at approximately $11 billion was sanctioned for Taiwan in December, marking the largest such sale in the history of U.S.-Taiwan relations. This decision faced significant opposition from China, which reacted by amplifying its military presence around Taiwan.
Reaffirming U.S. policy, Rubio stated that the United States does not seek Beijing’s approval when deciding on arms sales to Taiwan, underscoring the continued commitment to stability and the existing balance across the Taiwan Strait. He reiterated that the U.S. approach towards Taiwan remains consistent despite external pressures.
The $14 billion arms proposal is still under consideration, with an official decision yet to be made. Rubio’s statements aim to clarify the current status of the deal amidst various concerns and highlight the ongoing diplomatic nuances surrounding U.S.-Taiwan-China relations.