US to suspend $14 billion arms sale to Taiwan amid Iran conflict

US Pauses $14bn Arms Sale to Taiwan Amid Ongoing Conflict with Iran

Acting Navy Secretary Hung Cao has informed lawmakers that the US is temporarily halting a $14 billion arms sale to Taiwan, citing the need to conserve munitions for its ongoing conflict with Iran. This decision comes as US President Donald Trump continues to provide mixed signals on the sale.

Cao stated during a Senate hearing on Thursday that the pause will allow the US to ensure it has sufficient munitions for its operations in Iran. He also emphasized that any future decisions regarding the sale would be made by Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth and Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

The arms sale, which would be the largest ever transfer to Taiwan, was previously approved by the US Congress in January but requires Trump’s approval to move forward. The sale has been a topic of discussion between Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping during their recent talks in Beijing.

Taiwanese Premier Cho Jung-tai has stated that his government will continue to pursue arms purchases despite the pause. William Yang, senior analyst for northeast Asia at the Crisis Group, noted that the pause may exacerbate concerns about US support for Taiwan.

The US government does not officially recognize Taiwan as a sovereign state but is committed to helping the island defend itself under the 1979 Taiwan Relations Act. Trump has been testing the status quo on Taiwan in recent days, including suggesting he would consider speaking with Taiwanese President William Lai Ching-te about the arms deal.

Source: Al Jazeera