Archive · 28 Sep 2026
Taiwan Urges Trump to Deliver Delayed $14 Billion Arms Package
Taiwan wants the United States to send it weapons that Congress has already approved.
The package is worth $14 billion, but President Donald Trump has not yet approved its delivery.
Taiwan says stronger defenses could discourage China from attacking it.
China claims Taiwan as part of its territory and has not ruled out using force.
Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping talked about Taiwan during their summit, but it was not a main public topic.
U.S. officials said weapons deliveries are delayed because American factories have a large backlog.
They also said the United States must supply its own military and other countries.
Taiwan says it will spend more on its own defense and is important to the world because it makes advanced computer chips.
Taiwan urged the Trump administration to quickly approve a delayed $14 billion weapons package approved by Congress.
Taiwan representative Alexander Yui said the weapons are needed to deter Chinese aggression and prevent conflict.
President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping discussed Taiwan at their Washington summit but gave it little public attention.
U.S. officials attributed delivery delays to pressure on the American defense industrial base and competing military demands.
Taiwan said it is increasing its defense budget, while highlighting its importance as a major producer of advanced semiconductors.
- Who
- Taiwan, represented by Alexander Yui, is urging the administration of President Donald Trump to deliver the weapons package; China claims Taiwan, while the United States supports Taiwan's ability to defend itself.
- What
- Taiwan is pressing for delivery of a delayed $14 billion U.S. weapons package approved by Congress.
- When
- The appeal followed the Trump-Xi summit in Washington and was made during Sunday television interviews.
- Where
- The issue concerns Taiwan, the United States, China, and the Taiwan Strait; the summit took place in Washington.
- Why
- Taiwan says the weapons are needed to deter Chinese aggression, maintain its strength, and help prevent conflict.
Taiwan and Arms-Sale Supporters
U.S. Administration Explanation
Purpose of the weapons
Taiwan and Arms-Sale Supporters
Taiwan says the arms would strengthen deterrence and help prevent conflict through a policy of strength.
U.S. Administration Explanation
U.S. officials have not rejected the sale but say delivery must account for production limits, U.S. military needs, and other international requests.
Responsibility for the delay
Taiwan and Arms-Sale Supporters
Taiwan is urging President Donald Trump to approve the package quickly and says its security depends on receiving the weapons.
U.S. Administration Explanation
U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Mike Waltz attributed delays to pressure on the American defense industrial base and a large backlog of arms.
Taiwan's status and security
Taiwan and Arms-Sale Supporters
Taiwan says it must remain strong and prepared to deter Chinese aggression and is increasing its own defense spending.
U.S. Administration Explanation
China regards Taiwan as a foundational issue in its relationship with Washington, claims the island as part of China, and has not ruled out using force to establish control.
- Weapons package
- A $14 billion package approved by Congress but awaiting action by President Donald Trump.
- Taiwan's payment
- Taiwan said it has already paid for the arms.
- Delivery delay
- U.S. officials cited a large defense-industrial backlog, U.S. military requirements, and competing international demands.
- Additional assistance
- Several Republican senators questioned why more than $1 billion in additional assistance had not been delivered.
- Taiwan's defense spending
- Taiwan said it is increasing its defense budget and intends to shoulder more of its defense costs.
- U.S. policy
- The United States said it had not changed its position toward Taiwan and is legally committed to helping it retain the ability to defend itself.
- Semiconductors
- Taiwan produces many advanced semiconductors used in artificial intelligence systems, servers, and other critical technologies.