Richard Sanders, Tainan
Taiwan’s government said it has not received any notification from Washington about changes to planned US arms sales, after a senior American official suggested that some foreign weapons deliveries had been temporarily paused because of US military needs following the attack on Iran.
The comments came after US Acting Navy Secretary Hung Cao told a Senate Appropriations Defense Subcommittee hearing that arms sales would continue when the administration considered it necessary. Asked about future sales to Taiwan, Cao said there was “a pause” to ensure the United States had enough munitions for its own requirements.
Taipei responded by saying it was not aware of any “adjustments” to US arms sales. From Taiwan’s perspective, the issue is especially sensitive because American weapons are central to the island’s defense planning and are viewed by President Lai Ching-te’s administration as a key deterrent against pressure from Beijing.
Earlier this month, US President Donald Trump described arms deliveries to Taiwan as “a very good negotiating chip” in dealing with China. The remark raised concerns in Taiwan because US policy has long been understood as requiring Washington to help Taiwan maintain the ability to defend itself. Lai later sought to emphasize the strategic value of the arms sales, calling them “the most important deterrent” against possible conflict in the Taiwan Strait.
Beijing has repeatedly criticized US military cooperation with Taiwan, saying such sales violate the One-China principle and interfere in China’s internal affairs. Taiwan, however, argues that the weapons are defensive and necessary in the face of growing Chinese military activity around the island.
The reported pause comes as the United States reviews its own weapons stockpiles after the US-Israeli attack on Iran. Analysts have warned that the operation may have consumed large quantities of advanced munitions, including interceptor missiles and precision-guided weapons. US officials have said the Pentagon still has sufficient supplies, but reports suggest some allies in Europe could face delays in weapons deliveries.
For Taipei, any delay in US arms transfers would likely raise questions about the reliability and timing of American support. Still, Taiwanese officials are currently signaling that they have not been formally informed of any suspension or change to existing arms packages.
