US Prepares Record $14 Billion Taiwan Arms Deal Pending Trump's China Visit

A landmark arms package worth approximately $14 billion is awaiting President Donald Trump's approval, potentially making it the largest weapons deal ever offered to Taiwan. According to sources briefed on the matter, the announcement is being deliberately held back until after Trump's planned March 31 to April 2 summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing.

The proposed package primarily includes PAC-3 and NASAMS air defense interceptor missiles, designed to bolster Taiwan's defensive capabilities against growing military pressure from mainland China. An additional $6 billion in asymmetric defense systems is also reportedly queued for approval, which could be announced in a separate but related package.

Despite ongoing trade negotiations between Washington and Beijing, the pending deal signals that the Trump administration intends to maintain — or possibly expand — its military commitment to Taiwan. This stance would offer significant reassurance to Taipei, which has expressed concern that diplomatic maneuvering with China could come at the expense of U.S. defense support.

Xi Jinping previously urged Trump to exercise "prudence" regarding weapons sales to Taiwan, which Beijing considers part of its own territory. China has consistently opposed U.S. arms transfers to the island and reiterated that position in response to recent reporting.

However, a senior White House official confirmed that additional arms approvals are actively progressing, stating there has been no policy shift regarding Taiwan. Notably, Trump's second term has already seen weapons approvals surpassing the total authorized by former President Joe Biden across four full years, including an $11 billion package approved in December.

Taiwan's defense ministry confirmed that procurement coordination with U.S. counterparts is well advanced, and delivery schedules have already been discussed — indicating the deal is closer to finalization than publicly acknowledged.