‘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.

Beijing has reaffirmed its strong opposition to any official engagement between the United States and Taiwan. This statement comes after Donald Trump indicated he would be open to speaking with William Lai Ching-te, who is described as "running" Taiwan. Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun stated that China's stance against official US exchanges with Taiwan and US arms sales to the island is consistent, clear, and firm. Beijing urged the United States to uphold the consensus reached by the heads of state during Trump's recent visit to Beijing, where he met with Chinese President Xi Jinping.

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.

Acting US Navy Secretary Hung Cao stated that arms sales to Taiwan are on "pause" to ensure sufficient munitions for US operations in Iran. This announcement comes after a congressional hearing where Cao explained the delay in a $14 billion weapons package awaiting approval. While Taiwan's presidential office has received no official information about adjustments, the news is unwelcome given recent comments by former President Donald Trump casting doubt on US support. Trump previously described Taiwan weapons packages as a "negotiating chip" with China, whose leader, Xi Jinping, has warned of conflict over the issue. The US is obligated under the Taiwan Relations Act to provide Taiwan with military equipment for self-defense.

China views Taiwan as a breakaway province and has intensified pressure, including military drills and diplomatic isolation, to achieve "reunification." Beijing considers Taiwan independence a "red line" and has stated it may use force if peaceful reunification is exhausted. Taiwan's government, while asserting its de facto independence, aims to maintain the status quo, avoiding a formal declaration that could provoke China. The United States, Taiwan's closest ally, acknowledges Beijing's "one China" policy but provides Taiwan with defensive arms and is committed to its security. Former President Trump's recent comments suggesting Taiwan should not "go independent" have raised concerns about potential shifts in US policy and emboldening Beijing.

Taiwan's President William Lai Ching-te stated that the island will not give up its democratic values or sovereignty under pressure from China. He emphasized that Taiwan maintains the status quo in the Taiwan Strait and does not seek to change it, identifying China as the cause of regional instability. This declaration follows discussions between the US and China where Taiwan was a significant topic. Chinese leader Xi Jinping reportedly called the Taiwan question the most important issue in China-US relations, warning of potential conflict if mishandled. The US, while not officially backing Taiwan's independence, has supported the island through arms sales and statements indicating potential defense.

Beijing will primarily judge President Trump's handling of the Taiwan issue and US-China relations based on arms sales to Taiwan, according to analysts. Following a summit with President Xi Jinping, Trump stated he discussed arms sales with Xi and would soon make a determination. Xi had previously warned Trump that mishandling the Taiwan question, considered the most crucial issue in bilateral relations, could lead to confrontation or conflict. Experts believe arms sales are the key indicator for Beijing, and given the summit's focus on strategic stability and Xi's upcoming US visit, Trump might delay or reduce future weapons sales.

President Donald Trump announced he will discuss U.S. arms sales to Taiwan with Chinese President Xi Jinping during his upcoming visit to Beijing. This issue is a long-standing source of tension, as China claims Taiwan as its territory. Trump stated that Xi would prefer the U.S. not sell arms to Taiwan, but he intends to have that discussion. The U.S. is Taiwan's primary military supporter, having approved significant arms packages, which China views as interference. Trump, however, believes a conflict over Taiwan is unlikely in the near future. His visit, his first to China in nine years, will include talks on Thursday and Friday.

Taiwan is closely monitoring the upcoming meeting between President Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping in Beijing, fearing that Taiwan's status could be a bargaining chip. Officials and observers in Taiwan are concerned that Trump might make concessions regarding Taiwan's future in exchange for cooperation on trade, fentanyl, or global issues. Taiwan's Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs expressed fear of Taiwan being "on the menu" of discussions. Experts warn that a behind-the-scenes agreement could lead to reduced U.S. arms sales to Taiwan or diminished international participation for the island. President Trump has acknowledged China's opposition to U.S. arms sales to Taiwan, indicating it will be a topic of discussion.

U.S. President Donald Trump's recent comments describing arms sales to Taiwan as a "very good negotiating chip" with China have heightened anxieties on the island. In a Fox News interview, Trump stated that a $14 billion arms package to Taiwan is "up to China" and that he is "holding that in abeyance." This suggests a potential shift in U.S. policy, as the U.S. is legally bound to provide Taiwan with the means to defend itself. Experts worry this approach could place Taiwan "on the menu" of negotiations rather than at the table. Trump also reiterated his desire for Taiwan's microchip manufacturers to relocate to the U.S. China views Taiwan as a breakaway province and has previously reacted strongly to U.S. arms sales. Taiwan's presidential office emphasized its status as a sovereign nation and expressed gratitude for U.S. support, noting that arms sales are mandated by law.

Taiwan's legislature approved a NT$780 billion (US$26 billion) special defense budget last week, a move analysts suggest was influenced by US pressure ahead of a summit between Presidents Trump and Xi. The budget, passed by opposition parties Kuomintang (KMT) and Taiwan People's Party (TPP), aims to address concerns over China's military pressure and potential US concessions to Beijing regarding Taiwan. While the approved amount is less than the government's initial proposal, it significantly exceeds the KMT's previous stance and covers US arms sales. However, it excludes many indigenous weapons programs favored by the ruling party. This development occurred amidst mounting anxiety in Taipei regarding the upcoming Trump-Xi meeting.

During an upcoming summit in Beijing on May 13, 2026, US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping will discuss the war in Iran. US officials have suggested China should help pressure Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, but analysts believe China will seek concessions from the US, likely regarding Taiwan, in return. While the Iran conflict could strain China's economy due to its reliance on Middle Eastern oil, Taiwan is expected to be China's primary agenda item. China has shown a willingness to engage on the Iran issue but has not yet applied significant pressure, potentially waiting for the summit.

During his state visit to Beijing, President Donald Trump stated that the United States will not engage in a war over Taiwan. He revealed that he and Chinese leader Xi Jinping discussed the island extensively. However, Trump did not commit to approving arms sales to Taiwan, leaving the status of major arms packages uncertain. In an interview, Trump expressed his disinterest in a scenario where the U.S. would be obligated to fight a war over Taiwan's independence. This stance suggests a cautious approach to the long-standing issue of U.S. arms sales to Taiwan amidst U.S.-China relations.

During a summit in Beijing, Chinese President Xi Jinping warned US President Donald Trump that mishandling the issue of Taiwan could lead to conflict between the two nations. Xi emphasized that Taiwan is the most critical issue in China-US relations, and any missteps could push the relationship into a perilous situation. The meeting, the first US presidential visit to China in nearly a decade, also saw Trump express admiration for Xi and invite him to the White House. Despite the warm reception, Xi stressed that the two countries should be partners, not rivals. The summit also touched upon economic matters, with both sides reporting balanced and positive outcomes from preparatory negotiations.

During a two-hour meeting in Beijing, Chinese President Xi Jinping warned US President Donald Trump that Taiwan is the most critical issue in US-China relations and could lead to "clashes and even conflicts." Xi emphasized Beijing's claim over the self-governing island and its desire for reduced US support. The leaders also discussed the wars in the Middle East and Ukraine, and the situation on the Korean peninsula. Separately, voting rights advocate Stacey Abrams described the Supreme Court's gutting of the Voting Rights Act as "evil incarnate," following a ruling that prevents states from considering race in redistricting, which has led to the erasure of majority Black districts.