Washington, UNITED STATES – The United States has temporarily paused a planned $14 billion arms sale to Taiwan as it prioritises weapons supplies linked to the ongoing conflict involving Iran, acting US Navy Secretary Hung Cao has said.
Speaking during a Senate hearing, Cao said the pause was aimed at ensuring the US military has enough munitions available for “Epic Fury,” the codename for the joint US-Israel military operation connected to the Iran war.
Okay News reports that the delayed package reportedly includes advanced air defence missiles and surface-to-air missile systems intended for Taiwan.
Cao stressed that the suspension is temporary and said foreign military sales to Taiwan would continue once the US administration decides it is appropriate.
The development comes days after President Donald Trump appeared uncertain about approving the deal following recent talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing.
Trump previously described the Taiwan weapons package as “a very good negotiating chip” in discussions with China and said a final decision would be made soon.
China has repeatedly opposed US arms sales to Taiwan, which Beijing considers part of its territory and has vowed to reclaim if necessary.
Taiwan’s presidential office said it had not received any official notification from Washington regarding changes to the arms agreement.
The issue remains highly sensitive as tensions continue to grow between the United States and China over Taiwan and military activity in the region.
