Taipei’s presidential office said on Friday it has received no formal notice that the United States has altered its planned military sales to Taiwan, responding after a senior U.S. official suggested a temporary pause was in place so the United States could ensure sufficient munitions for its operation against Iran.
Taiwan has been awaiting U.S. approval of a new arms package that has been publicly discussed as potentially reaching up to $14 billion. U.S. President Donald Trump said after a summit with China’s Xi Jinping in Beijing last week that he had not yet decided whether to approve that package.
At a Senate Appropriations Defense Subcommittee hearing on Thursday, Acting U.S. Navy Secretary Hung Cao addressed the question of future arms sales to Taiwan. "We have done some foreign military sales to them. It’s just 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," he said, referring to the U.S. operation against Iran. He added, "But we’re just making sure we have everything, but then the foreign military sales will continue when the administration deems necessary."
Cao also said the decision on whether to approve further sales would rest with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and the Secretary of State Marco Rubio, naming the officials he said would have authority on the matter.
Speaking to reporters in Taipei, Presidential Office spokesperson Karen Kuo said officials had taken note of Cao’s remarks, but that, "at present we have not received any relevant information about the U.S. adjusting these military sales." Her statement framed Taiwan as still awaiting formal communication from Washington.
The United States is legally obligated to provide Taiwan with the means to defend itself, a point that remains central to the bilateral relationship on arms transfers. China has repeatedly urged the United States to halt weapons sales to Taiwan. Taiwan’s government rejects Beijing’s claim of sovereignty and says that only the people of Taiwan can determine their future.
This account presents the current public positions of the parties involved and the remarks made by U.S. and Taiwanese officials. Where officials have indicated decisions remain pending, the status of the arms package and the timing of any approvals remain uncertain.