The United States has approved an arms sale worth approximately $11 billion to Taiwan, Taipei announced on Thursday, triggering a sharp backlash from China and marking one of the largest weapons packages ever proposed for the self-ruled island.
The sale, which still requires approval by the US Congress, would be the second arms package approved since President Donald Trump returned to office in January, following a $330 million sale of spare parts announced in November.
According to Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the latest package includes HIMARS rocket systems, howitzers, anti-tank missiles, drones and other military equipment.
“This is the second arms sale to Taiwan announced during the Trump administration’s second term, once again demonstrating the United States’ firm commitment to Taiwan’s security,” the ministry said in a statement.
The announcement comes amid heightened tensions in the Taiwan Strait and lingering questions over Washington’s long-term security posture toward the island, following remarks by President Trump that previously raised doubts about US defence commitments.
China reacted swiftly, strongly condemning the move.
“China urges the United States to abide by the one-China principle and immediately stop the dangerous actions of arming Taiwan,” Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun said at a press briefing on Thursday, warning that Beijing would take “resolute and forceful measures” to safeguard its territorial integrity.
Beijing claims Taiwan as part of its territory and has repeatedly threatened to use force to bring the island under its control.
If finalised, the proposed sale would rival the $18 billion arms package authorised in 2001 under former US President George W. Bush, though that deal was later scaled down. During Trump’s first term, Washington approved about $10 billion in arms sales to Taiwan, including fighter jets.
Taiwan’s defence ministry said the latest package would help the island rapidly build credible deterrence capabilities, as it remains heavily reliant on US arms despite maintaining its own defence industry.
Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te’s administration has pledged to significantly increase defence spending by targeting more than three percent of GDP next year and five percent by 2030, and is seeking up to NT$1 trillion in special funding to upgrade air defence systems and expand ammunition production. The proposals, however, require approval from the opposition-controlled parliament.
The arms sale comes as China continues near-daily military activity around Taiwan. Taipei’s defence ministry said 40 Chinese military aircraft and eight naval vessels were detected around the island in the 24 hours ending early Thursday.
Earlier this week, China’s newest aircraft carrier, the Fujian, sailed through the Taiwan Strait, according to Taiwanese authorities.