‘Makes no sense’: experts doubt pause in US arms sale to Taiwan is due to Iran war

President-elect Donald Trump stated he will speak directly with Taiwan's president, a departure from established diplomatic protocol. This comes as the US considers a $14 billion arms sale to Taiwan, which China claims as its territory. China has urged the US to cease sending "wrong signals" to Taiwan and is reportedly blocking a Pentagon official's visit until Trump decides on the arms deal. The US has a history of selling defensive arms to Taiwan under the Taiwan Relations Act. Trump has not yet committed to the current arms package, which reportedly includes anti-drone and missile systems, and indicated he would make a decision soon after speaking with Taiwan's leader.

President Donald Trump has suggested he may speak directly with Taiwan's President William Lai Ching-te, which would be the first such contact since the US shifted diplomatic recognition to Beijing in 1979. Analysts view this less as a sign of closer US-Taiwan ties and more as an example of Trump's unpredictability. Taiwan's President expressed willingness to speak with Trump, while China firmly opposes official exchanges and US arms sales to Taiwan. Beijing's response to such contact, based on past reactions to similar events, is expected to be strong, potentially impacting US-China relations. Trump's openness to discussing arms sales with Xi Jinping is seen by some analysts as a win for Beijing, though the ultimate impact on US-China relations remains unpredictable.

President Donald Trump is traveling to Beijing for a summit with President Xi Jinping, aiming to manage deep disagreements over the ongoing war with Iran. The U.S. has sought China's leverage to pressure Iran to end the conflict and reopen the Strait of Hormuz, but with limited success. Ahead of the visit, the White House has lowered expectations for a breakthrough on Iran, instead prioritizing progress on other bilateral issues like trade and fentanyl precursor exports. Despite U.S. sanctions on China prior to the trip, Beijing publicly supports ending the war and has engaged in diplomatic efforts. Both nations appear intent on preventing the Iran dispute from derailing broader discussions during the summit.

Experts are questioning a US official's claim that a pause in a $14 billion arms sale to Taiwan is due to the war in Iran. Analysts state that such deliveries typically take years, making the conflict an unlikely cause. The Trump administration's acting navy secretary suggested the pause was to ensure munitions for "Operation Epic Fury" in the Gulf, but experts argue this justification "makes no sense" given the long processing times for these sales. This uncertainty follows President Trump's suggestion that arms sales to Taiwan could be used as a negotiating chip with China, a stance that deviates from long-standing US policy.

As President Donald Trump prepares to meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping, experts suggest Trump is "desperate for a win," potentially giving China leverage in negotiations. The summit occurs amidst ongoing trade disruptions between the two nations, initiated by Trump's tariffs on China. These tariffs led to retaliatory measures from Beijing, including halting rare earth metal exports, and significantly impacted US trade with China. US imports from China have fallen, while China has increased trade with other countries, reducing its reliance on the US market. Experts note that US exports to China would be substantially higher without the trade disputes.

Chinese President Xi Jinping hosted Russian President Vladimir Putin shortly after meeting with former US President Donald Trump, projecting an image of engaging with global leaders without being tied to any. While Xi and Putin signed over 20 agreements on trade and technology, no major breakthroughs were announced, and a stalled Russian gas pipeline deal remains unapproved. The article suggests Russia needs China more on the global stage, while China's economic strength and leverage give Xi a strong hand in negotiations. This diplomatic positioning marks a significant turnaround for China, which was previously facing international criticism and isolation. However, Xi's decision to only mention the Middle East conflict and remain silent on Ukraine raises questions about China's role as an even-handed global player.

Acting Navy Secretary Hung Cao announced that the United States is pausing a $14 billion arms sale to Taiwan. This pause is intended to conserve munitions for the ongoing war with Iran, according to Cao's remarks to lawmakers. The sale, which would be the largest ever to Taiwan, requires President Trump's approval and has been a topic of discussion following talks between Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping. While a ceasefire with Iran is in place, a permanent peace deal has not been reached. Taiwan has stated it will continue to pursue arms purchases.

The United States is temporarily halting a $14 billion arms sale to Taiwan. Acting Navy Secretary Hung Cao confirmed this pause at a Senate hearing, stating the decision is to ensure sufficient munitions for the US-Israel joint military operation in Iran, codenamed "Epic Fury." Cao indicated that foreign military sales would resume when the administration deems it necessary. Taiwan's presidential office stated they had not received any information regarding adjustments to the arms sale. The article also notes that President Donald Trump has not yet confirmed final approval for the package, calling it a "negotiating chip" with China.

The acting secretary of the US Navy, Hung Cao, announced a pause in a US$14 billion weapons purchase for Taiwan. This decision was made to ensure sufficient munitions for "Epic Fury." In response, Beijing reiterated its firm and unwavering opposition to US arms sales to Taiwan. Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun stated this position on Friday. The US Navy's action was disclosed during a congressional hearing on Thursday.