by Richard Sanders, Staff Writer
Taiwanese officials have reached out to the incoming US administration regarding the potential purchase of up to $15 billion in military equipment, including an Aegis destroyer, according to a report by the Financial Times (FT).
The article cited several unnamed sources close to president-elect Donald Trump’s team, indicating that Taiwan aims to convey its seriousness about defense matters. A former Trump administration official suggested that once the new US national security adviser is announced, Taiwan will present a robust proposal for American military hardware.
An unnamed high-ranking Taiwanese official mentioned that informal discussions have taken place with Trump’s team about an arms deal that would signal Taipei’s commitment to its own defense. The official noted that there are several significant military platforms that Taiwan has been interested in acquiring for some time but has not been able to obtain.
The package might include an Aegis destroyer, although experts indicated that requesting higher-value items could make a stronger impact. Su Tzu-yun from the Institute for National Defense and Security Research remarked that if Taiwan has a wish list, now would be the time to ask for F-35s, along with retired vessels such as Ticonderoga-class cruisers and Perry-class frigates.
Su suggested that the proposed arms package could total around $15 billion, potentially including 60 F-35s, four Advanced Hawkeyes, 10 retired ships, and 400 Patriot missiles. Elbridge Colby, a former US deputy assistant secretary of defense, has consistently urged Taiwan to increase its military spending, emphasizing the importance of its defense.
During Trump’s first term, he approved 11 arms packages to Taiwan totaling $21 billion, including F-16 jets and tanks, while the Biden administration has authorized $7 billion in sales. Rupert Hammond-Chambers, president of the US-Taiwan Business Council, stated that a significant arms deal could serve as a positive gesture to the new administration.
However, the Trump team has not yet commented on these developments. The Taiwanese government clarified that there are currently no new discussions underway for arms sales with the US. They noted that amid rising military threats from China, Taiwan and its regional allies are enhancing their defense capabilities, reaffirming their commitment to self-defense.
The Ministry of National Defense stated that any equipment supplied by allied nations to strengthen Taiwan’s defense would be considered. In light of the increasing threat from the Chinese Communist Party, Taiwan continues to pursue various methods for acquiring weapons, including purchases and domestic production, to ensure its self-defense and demonstrate commitment to its allies.
In response to media inquiries, Chinese Nationalist Party (KMT) Chairman Eric Chu suggested that more stable and peaceful relations across the Taiwan Strait would reduce tensions and international pressure, warning that confrontations or crises could strain Taiwan’s budget further.
