U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has clarified that a proposed $14 billion arms deal with Taiwan is not halted but is undergoing the usual administrative review process. Speaking to the U.S. Senate, Rubio corrected the notion that the arms package is “paused,” emphasizing that the evaluation is standard procedure given the package’s significant scale and its potential implications for U.S. defense production capabilities.
Concerns about the arms deal emerged after President Donald Trump reportedly suggested using it as a negotiating point in talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping. Further scrutiny followed remarks from a senior U.S. defense official indicating that some arms transfers were being reconsidered to ensure that U.S. military stockpiles remain sufficient.
Rubio pointed out that the U.S. previously approved an arms deal worth approximately $11 billion for Taiwan in December, marking it as the largest arms sale in the nation’s history. He highlighted China’s strong opposition to this move, noting that it led to increased military activities near Taiwan.
The Secretary also reiterated that the United States’ policy towards Taiwan has not changed, asserting that Washington does not consult Beijing regarding arms sales decisions to Taiwan. Rubio underscored the significance of maintaining stability and the status quo across the Taiwan Strait, while the proposed $14 billion arms package continues to be under review with no final decision made yet.