A major US arms package for Taiwan that includes advanced interceptor missiles is ready for US President Donald Trump’s approval and could be signed after his trip to China this month, sources briefed on the discussions said, according to an exclusive report by Reuters published today.
The arms deal, valued at about US$14 billion, would be the largest ever for the nation as it faces rising military pressure from China, the report said.
Sources familiar with the administration’s thinking said the deal is being kept confidential ahead of Trump’s planned trip to Beijing from March 31 to April 2 to meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping (習近平), but it could be announced after he returns.
Photo: Screen grab from Lockheed Martin’s Web site
Xi told Trump last month that arms sales to Taiwan must be handled with “prudence.”
Trump’s efforts to secure a favorable trade deal with China have raised concerns among some observers that he could curb US military support for Taiwan.
However, the pending arms approval suggests that the administration plans to maintain or increase support, which would in turn ease anxiety in Taipei.
The package largely consists of PAC-3 and NASAMS air defense missiles, one source said.
“As soon as the president gives the thumbs up, those are ready to be officially announced; everything is done,” the source said on condition of anonymity.
Another US$6 billion in “asymmetric” defense capabilities is also awaiting approval and could be announced in linked or subsequent packages, the source added.
Trump’s National Security Strategy issued late last year states that deterring conflict over Taiwan is a priority for Washington, “ideally by preserving military overmatch.”
Trump’s comments, including a remark last month that he was “talking” to Xi about Taiwan arms sales, have stirred speculation that he could scale back the longstanding US practice of providing Taiwan with the means to defend itself.
Nonetheless, Trump’s arms sales approvals to the nation in his second term have already surpassed the amount approved by his predecessor Joe Biden over four years.
Analysts said US administrations over the past few decades have timed weapons approvals for Taiwan around sensitive political engagement with Beijing.
China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement that its opposition to US arms sales to Taiwan is “consistent and unequivocal.”
In response to questions to the White House, a senior US official confirmed more weapons approvals were in the works.
“Arms sales are working their way through the process; there is no change to our policy with respect to Taiwan,” the official said.
Two sources in Taiwan familiar with the matter said that Washington has repeatedly assured them of its support.
Beijing has been seeking to delay US arms sales and has been trying to create a better atmosphere ahead of the summit, including by toning down military pressure, another source in Taiwan said.
“We have confidence in Trump, though; Beijing has underestimated the strategic vision of the White House,” the source said.
The Ministry of National Defense said that its arms procurement projects have completed “preliminary coordination” with the US side.
The ministry said in January that an arms deal with the US covering four items was in the offing, but it could not give details before they were provided to the US Congress.
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