Taiwan says US arms sales intact despite $14 billion package freeze

Taiwan's Defence Minister Wellington Koo said on Tuesday that the island continues discussions with the United States over individual defence deals, with no changes to existing commitments. Speaking before the Legislative Yuan in Taipei, Koo stated: "We are in continuous discussions with the Americans on this. We haven't received any notice of any changes to sales or our cooperation." The minister added that he had received assurances from US counterparts that Washington's policy stance towards Taiwan remained unchanged.

The statements come amid growing uncertainty over the Trump administration's approach to military aid for the self-governed island. The $14 billion arms package, one of the largest agreed in recent years, has been on hold since a May summit between US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing. China has intensified pressure on Washington to suspend arms sales to Taiwan, viewing them as interference in its internal affairs.

Koo said Taiwan has been receiving advanced defence equipment, noting that 66 F-16V fighter jets have been delivered as part of existing agreements. The defence minister's comments suggest Taipei believes the suspension of the larger package is a negotiating position rather than a permanent policy shift, though uncertainty persists about the incoming US administration's long-term commitment to Taiwan's defence capabilities.