May 23 - A source close to U.S. deliberations said arms transfers to Taiwan typically require years to process and are not connected to the war involving Iran, responding to comments that suggested a temporary halt so the United States could conserve munitions for that campaign.
The dispute in messaging followed remarks by a senior U.S. official before a Senate Appropriations Defense Subcommittee, where the acting U.S. Navy Secretary stated there was a pause on arms sales to Taiwan to ensure adequate supplies for Operation Epic Fury, the named attack on Iran. That comment came amid an ongoing pause in approval for a Taiwan package that has been reported to be as large as $14 billion.
Separately, the source familiar with the arms sale process emphasized that these transactions are lengthy and independent of the operations in the Middle East. The source said the United States has sufficient munitions, ammunition, and stockpiles to meet President Trump’s strategic objectives and more, and reiterated that the sales are unrelated to Operation Epic Fury - the war launched in February by the U.S. and Israel.
President Trump added to uncertainty in Taipei when, after meeting China’s president earlier this month, he said he had not yet decided whether to approve the package. The U.S. remains bound by the 1979 Taiwan Relations Act to provide Taiwan with the means to defend itself, and officials have said policy toward Taiwan has not changed since the presidential meeting.
Taipei’s government stated on Friday that it had not been informed of any delays to U.S. arms sales. Meanwhile, Beijing continues to press the U.S. to halt such transfers; China considers Taiwan part of its territory, a claim rejected by Taiwan’s government, which maintains that only the Taiwanese people can determine their future.
Contextual note: The transfer process, statements by U.S. officials, the presidential comment, and reactions by Taipei and Beijing are the elements that have driven recent public attention. Questions over timing and messaging have created diplomatic sensitivity, but officials cited by a source have asserted that U.S. military stockpiles are adequate for multiple strategic priorities.
End of report.