U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has clarified that a proposed $14 billion arms deal with Taiwan has not been halted but continues to undergo normal administrative review. Addressing the U.S. Senate, Rubio refuted claims that the package is “paused,” explaining that the evaluation process is standard due to the significant scale of the deal and its potential implications on U.S. defense production capabilities.
Speculation about the future of the arms package followed reports suggesting President Donald Trump viewed it as a potential negotiating tool in talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping. Further concerns were fueled by comments from a senior U.S. defense official indicating that some weapons transfers are being reassessed to ensure the U.S. maintains adequate military stockpiles.
Rubio pointed out that in December, the U.S. had already approved an arms sale to Taiwan valued at approximately $11 billion, marking the largest such transaction in U.S. history. He acknowledged China’s strong opposition to that decision, which resulted in heightened military activities by China near Taiwan.
Emphasizing the continuity of U.S. policy towards Taiwan, Rubio stated that Washington does not seek Beijing’s input when deciding on arms sales to Taiwan. He underscored the importance of preserving stability and maintaining the status quo in the Taiwan Strait.
As of now, the proposed $14 billion arms package remains under consideration, with no definitive decision yet announced.
