China urged the United States on Thursday to “immediately stop” arming Taiwan following Washington’s approval of a landmark weapons sale. This $11 billion package represents one of the largest military transfers in history to deter a potential Chinese invasion.
Foreign ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun addressed the press with a firm demand for the US to cease these military transactions. “China urges the United States to abide by the one-China principle and immediately stop the dangerous actions of arming Taiwan,” Guo stated. Beijing continues to view the democratic island as its own territory and frequently conducts “grey-zone” military operations nearby.
Bolstering Island Defenses
The US approved one of the largest arms packages for Taiwan, aiming to deter potential Chinese aggression. This deal includes advanced weaponry such as HIMARS rocket systems, howitzers, anti-tank missiles, and drones. While the US traditionally serves as Taiwan’s primary arms supplier, President Donald Trump’s comments have raised concerns about his commitment to defending the island.
Taiwan has significantly increased its defense spending over the past decade due to escalating military pressure from China. The latest arms sale, which requires congressional approval, marks the second such package since Trump took office in January. The first package, valued at $330 million, involved parts and components sold in November.
Consequently, Taipei’s foreign ministry praised the decision as a sign of Washington’s firm commitment to the security of the island. “This is the second arms sale to Taiwan announced during the Trump administration’s second term,” the ministry confirmed on Thursday.
Economic and Military Pressure
Taiwan remains heavily reliant on American technology despite maintaining its own defense industry because China possesses significantly more military power.
Furthermore, President Lai Ching-te plans to increase defense spending to 5% of the GDP by 2030 to satisfy US demands. This latest deal rivals a massive 2001 authorization and signals a bipartisan consensus in Congress regarding the defense of Taipei.
While the deal awaits formal congressional approval, it underscores the intensifying friction between the world’s two largest and most powerful economies. Meanwhile, Taipei reported that 40 Chinese aircraft and eight naval vessels operated around the island within a single 24-hour period.
