A high-ranking U.S. Navy official revealed on Thursday that the U.S. has halted significant arms sales to Taiwan, yet Taiwanese officials seem to be unaware of this update.
During a Senate subcommittee hearing, Acting Secretary of the Navy Hung Kao commented on the president’s budget request for the Navy for the fiscal year 2027. He emphasized that the president has not communicated this decision to the Taiwanese public. It was anticipated that the arms sale would amount to about $14 billion, as indicated by public records. A letter urging the approval was sent by several senators on May 11.
“As of now, we haven’t received any information indicating that the U.S. is coordinating these military sales,” said Karen Kuo, a spokesperson for the Taiwan Presidential Office, as quoted by Reuters. Taiwan’s Ministry of Defense has also reportedly not been notified.
President Donald Trump met with Chinese President Xi Jinping on May 14, discussing several topics including trade, the Strait of Hormuz, and Taiwan. In an interview, Trump remarked that the weapons package could serve as a valuable “bargaining chip” for the U.S.
“Historically, we have engaged in military and foreign military sales to Taiwan,” Kao noted during the hearing. “Currently, we’re in a pause to ensure we have enough munitions for Operation Epic Fury. While we feel prepared, we just want to confirm everything is in place before resuming foreign military sales, if the administration finds it necessary.”
According to Sean Parnell, a Pentagon spokesperson, “All aspects related to foreign military sales and security assistance are pending until officially confirmed by the president.” He declared that U.S. policy toward Taiwan remains unchanged, and the country is committed to longstanding obligations under the Taiwan Relations Act.
Operation Epic Fury has notably taxed the U.S. military’s ammunition reserves, with reports indicating that the U.S. utilized more interceptors to defend Israel than Israel used for its own defense. A U.S. defense assessment highlighted concerns about the military’s preparedness for a drawn-out conflict with China, a situation that has persisted even prior to Operation Epic Fury.
One report suggests that between 45% and 61% of the U.S. Patriot missile fleet has been utilized since hostilities with Iran reignited.
Senator Mitch McConnell questioned Kao about the likelihood of the arms sale proceeding. “In other words, do you think approval is forthcoming?” McConnell asked. “That’s dependent on the Secretary of War and the Secretary of State,” Kao responded.
McConnell expressed concern over handing the decision to Army Secretary Pete Hegseth and Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
An anonymous source stated, “These sales will take years to finalize and aren’t linked to Operation Epic Fury. The U.S. has adequate resources to meet President Trump’s strategic objectives and beyond.”
Taiwan recently received its last shipment of 28 U.S.-made M1 Abrams main battle tanks on April 27; however, these are not part of the $14 billion arms proposal. The entire contract included 108 tanks and was valued at over $2 billion.
The Pentagon and Taiwan Military News Agency have not provided immediate feedback to inquiries.
“The clock is ticking”
In light of the recent halt in arms sales due to Operation Epic Fury, President Trump remarked on social media that negotiations with Iran are urgent.
“For Iran, the clock is ticking. We better move fast or there will be nothing left,” Trump stated, emphasizing the urgency of the situation.
A White House official mentioned that a decision on a new arms package for Taiwan would be made soon. The president has already approved $11.1 billion in arms for Taiwan, adhering to U.S. policy established since the 1950s. Trump set a record for arms sales to Taiwan during his first term.
China continues to oppose U.S. arms sales to Taiwan. A spokesperson highlighted that their stance has been clear and unwavering.
U.S. senators have shown support for those arms sales, urging the administration to formally notify the approved $14 billion package that Congress greenlit in early 2025. They noted Taiwan’s Legislative Council recently passed a significant defense budget to bolster the island’s self-defense capabilities.
Should arms sales cease completely, it may pose legal issues under the Taiwan Relations Act. This law mandates the U.S. to equip Taiwan adequately for self-defense.
Section 3301 of the Act states that the U.S. must provide Taiwan with defense articles and services necessary for maintaining its self-defense.
