U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has clarified that a proposed $14 billion arms deal with Taiwan is still under review, countering claims that it has been stalled. Speaking to the Senate, Rubio emphasized that the review process is a routine part of the administrative procedure, particularly given the package’s significant scale and its potential implications for the U.S. defense production capabilities. He dismissed the notion that the deal is “paused,” asserting that such a characterization is inaccurate.
The arms package gained attention after reports indicated that President Donald Trump considered it a possible leverage point in discussions with Chinese President Xi Jinping. Further scrutiny arose when a senior U.S. defense official mentioned that some weapons transfers were being re-evaluated to ensure that U.S. military stockpiles remain sufficient. This has led to questions about the status of the deal and its implications for U.S.-China relations.
Rubio pointed out that in December, the U.S. approved an arms sale to Taiwan valued at approximately $11 billion, marking it as the largest in U.S. history. This decision faced strong opposition from China, which responded by intensifying military activities near Taiwan. Despite these tensions, Rubio reiterated that the U.S. has not altered its policy regarding Taiwan and does not involve Beijing in its decision-making processes about arms sales to the island nation.
The Secretary of State underscored the importance of maintaining stability across the Taiwan Strait, reaffirming that the U.S. is committed to preserving the status quo. While the $14 billion arms package remains under consideration, no final decision has been made. Rubio’s remarks aim to assure that the U.S.’s strategic stance towards Taiwan continues to prioritize stability without external influence.