The Biden administration has just approved a historic $16.68 billion arms sale to Taiwan. As such, this package marks a new record, to be sure—the largest weapons deal ever granted to the island. Taiwan is already deeply engaged and well underway in the process of metamorphosing its armed forces. This decision bolsters their aim for “asymmetric warfare” by doubling down on mobile, smaller, and more affordable weaponry. The approval comes in the wake of increasing aggression from both the Taiwan and Chinese sides. Taiwan’s government fiercely contests Beijing’s assertions of sovereignty.
Taiwan’s Defense Ministry hailed the arms sale while still in the Congressional notification period. Here, we highlight eight of a handful of key items that were included in their package. This includes the notorious High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS), howitzers, Javelin anti-tank missiles, and Altius loitering munition drones. These surface and air capabilities represent critical steps toward Taiwanese defense strategy’s ongoing shift to prioritize deterrence against the rising military pressure from China.
Emphasizing National Security
Taiwan’s President Lai Ching-te has been vocal about the importance of national security, stating, “There is no room for compromise on national security.” His administration is currently and aggressively strengthening the island’s defensive muscle. They proposed a $60.6 billion supplementary defense budget that would span from 2026 to 2033.
Taiwan has matched that boldness with a serious financial commitment. This explains its awareness of its geostrategic importance in dividing North-East and South-East Asia into two different conflict areas. This focus on defense reform is especially important, as Taiwan seeks to build a more militarily resilient defense against possible coercive aggression.
“Our country will continue to promote defense reforms, strengthen whole-of-society defense resilience, demonstrate our determination to defend ourselves, and safeguard peace through strength.” – Karen Kuo
US-Taiwan Relations and Strategic Importance
The arms sale is yet another sign of the ongoing US foreign policy pivot toward Taiwan. The US still holds official diplomatic relations with Beijing. Simultaneously, it continues to respect informal ties with Taiwan and is codified under the Taiwan Relations Act to provide the island with tools for self-defense. This arms package supports Taiwan’s military transformation and signifies the United States’ commitment to maintaining a balance of power in the region.
Rupert Hammond-Chambers highlighted the motivations behind this substantial support, stating, “This bundle of congressional notifications, a record in US security assistance for Taiwan, is a response to the threat from China and the demand from Mr. Trump that partners and allies do more to secure their own defense.”
Impact on US-China Relations
The regular arms sales that the United States makes to Taiwan continue to damage our diplomatic relations with China. Beijing sees these moves as dangerous provocations and has reacted with heightened military activity in the vicinity of Taiwan. Even with the heightened tensions, Taiwan has managed to expose bipartisan support in the US. This signifies a strong bipartisan agreement on the need to assist the island in defending its efforts.
Taiwan continuously adjusts its military course and obtains critical assistance from the United States. It ultimately remains collaborative under constant external pressure without losing sight of or giving in on its commitment to its sovereignty. This fact underscores the importance of how the recent arms sale actively deters that potential aggression. It further illustrates the evolving political landscape in East Asia.
