Officials in Taiwan stated Friday they have received no notification regarding potential delays in American weapons sales, following comments from a high-ranking U.S. official who indicated such sales were temporarily halted.
The island nation, which Beijing considers part of its territory, has been anticipating approval of a new weapons package from Washington that could reach $14 billion in value, according to previous reports.
President Donald Trump indicated uncertainty about approving the package after meeting with China’s Xi Jinping in Beijing the previous week.
During a Senate Appropriations Defense Subcommittee hearing Thursday, U.S. Acting Navy Secretary Hung Cao addressed questions about future weapons sales to Taiwan.
“We have done some foreign military sales to them. It’s just right now we’re doing a pause in order to make sure we have the munitions we need for Epic Fury – which we have plenty,” he stated, referencing American operations against Iran.
“But we’re just making sure we have everything, but then the foreign military sales will continue when the administration deems necessary,” he added, noting that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Secretary of State Marco Rubio would determine approval of Taiwan sales.
Taiwan Presidential Office spokesperson Karen Kuo addressed reporters in Taipei, acknowledging the official’s comments.
“However, at present we have not received any relevant information about the U.S. adjusting these military sales,” she stated.
Taiwan’s defense ministry also confirmed no notification of weapons sale delays had been received.
The ministry continues to “monitor U.S. security cooperation policy” and maintain close coordination and communication with the U.S. to ensure that arms sales proceed according to plan, according to their statement.
American law requires the U.S. to provide Taiwan with defensive capabilities. Beijing has consistently demanded Washington cease weapons sales.
Taiwan’s leadership disputes China’s territorial claims, maintaining that only Taiwan’s citizens can determine the island’s future.
