TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The US is preparing a NT$448,93 billion (US$14 billion) arms package for Taiwan, including advanced air defense interceptors, that could be approved by US President Donald Trump after his planned visit to China later this month.
Trump is scheduled to travel to Beijing from March 31 to April 2 to meet Chinese leader Xi Jinping. Sources “familiar with the Trump administration’s thinking” told Reuters the arms package is being kept confidential and may be announced after Trump returns from the trip.
One of the sources told Reuters that the package mainly includes Patriot Advanced Capability-3 missiles and National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System air defense missiles. It would be the largest arms sale to Taiwan to date. “As soon as the president gives the thumbs up, those are ready to be officially announced. Everything is done,” the source reportedly said.
An additional NT$192.24 billion ($6 billion) in asymmetric defense weaponry is also pending approval and could be unveiled either alongside the package or in a separate follow-up announcement. The source declined to provide details about the capabilities.
A senior US official, responding to inquiries sent to the White House, confirmed to Reuters that additional arms sale approvals are being advanced. "Arms sales are working their way through the process. There is no change to our policy with respect to Taiwan," the official said.
