The acting secretary of the US Navy confirmed Thursday that a $14 billion arms package for Taiwan has been placed on hold, citing the need to prioritize munitions for ongoing operations against Iran. The move has sparked concern that Washington's resolve toward Taipei is wavering at a time of intensifying Chinese pressure.
Congressional Hearing Reveals Pause
At a congressional hearing, acting secretary Hung Cao said the pause was necessary to ensure sufficient stockpiles for 'Epic Fury,' the US campaign in the Middle East. 'We're just making sure we have everything, then the foreign military sales will continue when the administration deems necessary,' Cao told lawmakers. Neither the state department nor the Pentagon offered immediate clarification, according to CBS.
Trump's Stance on Taiwan
Ahead of his recent state visit to Beijing, Trump signaled he would discuss the matter directly with Chinese President Xi Jinping, a departure from Washington's longstanding position that arms sales to Taiwan are not subject to consultation with Beijing. Speaking aboard Air Force One after the visit, Trump acknowledged Xi raised the issue but said he made 'no commitment either way,' CBS reported.
US Intelligence Warnings
While the Taiwan Relations Act of 1979 obliges Washington to provide Taipei with defensive arms, the administration's pause comes even as US intelligence has warned that Beijing is preparing its military to be prepared for invading Taiwan by 2027, according to a US department of defense report. China continues to claim the island as its territory.
Resource Strains Highlighted
Adding to the uncertainty, reports earlier this year suggested the Pentagon was moving parts of a Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system from South Korea to the Middle East. US commanders later denied redeploying the full system, but the episode highlighted strains on American resources, Military Times reported.
Implications for Taiwan and China
For Taiwan, the delay raises doubts about the reliability of US support, especially at a time when Trump has repeatedly stated that his focus is America and not allies, as reported by the Brookings Institute. For Beijing, it signals that Washington's global commitments may be stretching its capacity. As China presses its advantage, the pause in arms sales risks being read as a subtle weakening of US resolve in the Indo-Pacific.
