The United States has paused a $14bn (£10.4bn) arms sale to Taiwan, citing the need to preserve weapons stockpiles amid ongoing military operations linked to the Iran conflict.
US acting Navy Secretary Hung Cao confirmed the suspension during a Senate hearing on Thursday, saying the decision is intended to ensure sufficient munitions are available for what he referred to as “Epic Fury,” the US-Israel joint military operation in Iran.
He said the pause is temporary and that foreign military sales to Taiwan would resume when the administration deems it appropriate.
“Right now we’re doing a pause in order to make sure we have the munitions we need for Epic Fury which we have plenty,” Cao told lawmakers, adding that he had not been in contact with Taiwanese officials regarding the suspension.
The announcement comes days after President Donald Trump signalled uncertainty over the deal, describing it as “a very good negotiating chip” with China and saying he would make a decision “over the next fairly short period.”
A spokesperson for Taiwan’s presidential office said on Friday that Taipei had not received any formal notification of changes to the arms package.
The move is likely to heighten sensitivities with Beijing, which claims Taiwan as its territory and has repeatedly opposed US arms sales to the island. China has warned such deals risk escalating tensions across the Taiwan Strait.
Trump has also suggested he may speak directly with Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te regarding the sale — a departure from long-standing diplomatic practice that could further strain relations with China. Direct high-level US-Taiwan presidential contact has been rare for decades.
The pause follows recent discussions between Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping, during which Taiwan was reportedly a central topic. While US law and past assurances have traditionally avoided consultation with Beijing over arms sales to Taipei, Trump indicated the issue was discussed “in great detail.”
Taiwan has increased defence spending in response to rising Chinese military pressure, with President Lai Ching-te repeatedly stressing that US weapons sales remain essential to regional stability.
Erizia Rubyjeana
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