Amid ongoing scrutiny, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio clarified that the proposed $14 billion arms deal with Taiwan is not on hold but is undergoing a standard administrative review. Speaking before the U.S. Senate, Rubio addressed concerns by stating that labeling the package as “paused” is misleading. He pointed out the necessity of this review, attributing it to the substantial size of the package and its potential implications on the United States’ defense production capabilities.
Speculation regarding the status of the arms package intensified following reports that President Donald Trump had suggested using it as leverage in conversations with Chinese President Xi Jinping. This speculation was further fueled by comments from a senior U.S. defense official, who hinted that some weapons transfers were being reassessed to ensure the U.S. maintains sufficient military reserves.
In an effort to provide context, Rubio referenced a previous arms deal approved in December, valued at approximately $11 billion, which he described as the largest in U.S.-Taiwan history. This deal was met with staunch opposition from China, which reacted by escalating its military presence near Taiwan.
Rubio reiterated the unchanged nature of U.S. policy regarding Taiwan, emphasizing that decisions on arms sales are made independently of Beijing’s influence. He underscored the critical importance of preserving stability and the status quo across the Taiwan Strait. The proposed $14 billion deal continues to be evaluated, with no definitive decision made as of yet.
