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Taiwan sees continued US arms sale support after midterm election
Taiwan’s defence minister says support for strengthening the island’s military capabilities remains strong across both US political parties, despite the Democrats’ midterm gains. His comments come as a major US arms package for Taiwan remains stalled, amid pressure from China and President Donald Trump’s description of the deal as a bargaining chip.
Trump approved an US$11 billion arms sale last December, but a separate package worth about US$14 billion has been held back. Taiwan’s government says it will keep in contact with Congress and the US Department of War to help ensure sales proceed; analysts say the package could be delayed until 2027 or divided into smaller parts, with a similar overall value.
In short
- Taiwan says US congressional support for its defence remains bipartisan.
- A US$14 billion arms package is still on hold.
- Analysts say it could be delayed or split into smaller deals.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Supporters argue that continued US arms sales help Taiwan deter coercion and preserve stability by making any attack more costly. They see broad, bipartisan backing as a sign that the commitment can endure changes in congressional control, and consider timely delivery important given pressure from China.
The case against
Sceptics argue that large arms packages can heighten tensions and deepen the risk of an arms race, while tying Taiwan’s security more closely to US political bargaining. They may favour delaying or splitting the sale to retain diplomatic flexibility and scrutinise its costs, without necessarily opposing Taiwan’s right to defend itself.
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