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The United States has announced plans for a wide-ranging arms package for Taiwan valued at approximately $11.1 billion, marking one of the largest proposed weapons sales to the self-ruled island in recent years. The move underscores Washington's continued support for Taipei as tensions with China remain elevated across the Taiwan Strait.
According to U.S. officials, the package consists of eight separate defense offerings designed to strengthen Taiwan's ability to deter and respond to potential military threats. The equipment includes HIMARS rocket systems, advanced howitzers, Javelin and TOW anti-tank missiles, anti-armor drones, and logistical and repair support for existing missile and helicopter platforms. The U.S. Defense Security Cooperation Agency confirmed that Congress has been formally notified, triggering a mandatory review period before contracts can be finalized.
Taiwan's Ministry of National Defense welcomed the announcement, describing it as consistent with long-standing U.S. commitments under the Taiwan Relations Act and related security assurances. Officials in Taipei said the weapons would enhance both current readiness and long-term deterrence, particularly through systems suited to mobile and asymmetric warfare strategies.
Several components of the proposed sale are already included in a large special defense budget currently under review by Taiwan's legislature. The government has emphasized that investments in precision weapons, drones, and rapid-response systems are central to modernizing its armed forces and countering pressure from Beijing.
U.S. defense officials said the arms sale supports American strategic interests by helping Taiwan maintain a credible self-defense posture without altering the overall military balance in the region. They added that the deal reflects Washington's broader objective of reinforcing stability in the Indo-Pacific amid growing geopolitical competition.
China sharply criticized the announcement, reiterating its opposition to all U.S. arms sales to Taiwan and warning that such actions undermine regional peace. Beijing maintains that Taiwan is part of its territory, a claim Taiwan's government firmly rejects.
The announcement comes as Taiwan plans additional long-term defense spending and as the U.S. administration signals that security cooperation with partners in the region will remain a priority. Pending congressional approval, the arms transfers are expected to proceed over several years, further deepening defense ties between Washington and Taipei.
