The United States has temporarily halted a $14 billion (£10.4 billion) arms package intended for Taiwan, citing the need to protect its weapons stockpile amid ongoing military operations linked to the Iran conflict.
U.S. acting Navy Secretary Hung Cao told a Senate hearing on Thursday that the suspension was necessary to ensure adequate munitions remain available for what he described as “Epic Fury,” a joint US-Israel military operation in Iran.
He said the suspension is not permanent, adding that arms transfers to Taiwan would resume once the administration considers 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 came shortly after President Donald Trump raised doubts about the deal, describing it as “a very good negotiating chip” in relations with China and saying he would decide on the matter “over the next fairly short period.”
A spokesperson for Taiwan’s presidential office said on Friday that Taipei had not received any formal notification regarding any change to the arms agreement.
The development is expected to heighten diplomatic sensitivities with Beijing, which regards Taiwan as part of its territory and has consistently opposed US arms sales to the island.
Chinese authorities have warned that such transactions could escalate tensions across the Taiwan Strait.
Trump has also indicated he may hold direct talks with Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te over the issue, a move that would break with long-standing diplomatic convention and potentially strain US-China relations further.
Direct presidential-level communication between Washington and Taipei has remained rare for decades.
The pause follows recent discussions between Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping, during which Taiwan was reportedly a key subject of discussion.
While U.S. policy and previous assurances have generally avoided coordination with Beijing on Taiwan arms sales, Trump said the matter was discussed “in great detail.”
Taiwan has continued to expand its defence budget in response to growing Chinese military pressure, with President Lai Ching-te repeatedly stressing that U.S. arms support remains critical to maintaining regional stability.
