Taipei said on Thursday that the United States has cleared an $11 billion arms sale to Taiwan, one of the largest such packages approved for the island, triggering a strong reaction from Beijing.
The US remains Taiwan’s leading source of military equipment, though statements by President Donald Trump have cast uncertainty over Washington’s commitment to the island’s defense.
In response to growing Chinese military activity, Taiwan has steadily boosted its defense budget in recent years, even as the Trump administration has pressed the government to assume greater responsibility for its own security.
The newly announced arms deal, which must still pass through the US Congress, would be the second approved since Trump’s return to the White House in January, following a $330 million deal for military components finalized in November.
Taiwan’s foreign ministry said the package includes advanced systems such as HIMARS rocket artillery, howitzers, anti-armor weapons, drones, and additional defense equipment.
