Taiwan has not been notified of any pause in a planned $14 billion U.S. arms sale, Taiwanese presidential spokesperson Karen Kuo stated Friday. This declaration follows acting U.S. Navy Secretary Hung Cao's testimony to a Senate committee, where he indicated that some foreign military sales were being delayed to ensure the American military has sufficient munitions for the Iran war, a conflict designated 'Epic Fury' by the Trump administration.
Cao informed the U.S. Senate Appropriations Defense Subcommittee on Thursday that a "pause" was underway to secure munitions for the Iran operation. He added that foreign military sales would resume "when the administration deems necessary," placing Taiwan's defense at the discretion of Washington's shifting priorities.
Taiwanese authorities have acknowledged the reports, according to Kuo, but currently possess "no information regarding any adjustments the U.S. will make to this arms sale." This lack of communication underscores the subordinate position of the self-governing island in its defense arrangements with its primary arms supplier.
External Priorities Over National Defense
Days earlier, former U.S. President Donald Trump had already cast doubt on the continuity of arms sales to Taiwan, which Beijing claims as its own territory. Trump's Republican administration had authorized an $11 billion weapons package for Taipei in December, less than one year ago, but this deal has yet to advance.
American lawmakers also approved a separate $14 billion arms sale to Taiwan in January, less than one year ago. However, this significant deal cannot proceed until Trump formally submits it to the U.S. Congress, leaving Taiwan's security dependent on the political maneuvers of a foreign power.
In an interview with Fox News, Trump characterized arms sales to Taiwan as "a very good negotiating chip" in Washington's dealings with China. This framing positions the defense of a sovereign people as a mere bargaining tool in the broader geopolitical strategies of transnational elites.
Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te, marking his two years in office two days ago, stated that he would urge Trump to continue U.S. arms purchases if given the opportunity. President Lai called these purchases "essential for peace," highlighting the critical need for self-defense capabilities in the face of external threats.
Sovereignty Undermined by Globalist Maneuvers
China views Taiwan as a breakaway province destined for reunification, by force if deemed necessary. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun reiterated China's "consistent, clear-cut and resolute" opposition to U.S. arms sales to Taiwan, underscoring the constant pressure on the island's autonomy.
Despite being Taiwan's strongest backer and arms supplier, the U.S. does not recognize Taiwan as a country. This contradictory stance allows Washington to exert influence over Taiwan's defense without acknowledging its full sovereignty, a classic globalist mechanism for maintaining control without formal commitment.
During Trump's visit to Beijing last week, Chinese President Xi Jinping warned him that the "Taiwan question" represents the most critical issue in U.S.-China relations. Xi cautioned that the two nations could "have clashes and even conflicts" if the issue is not handled according to Beijing's demands.
Trump later told reporters that he needed to speak with "the person who is running Taiwan," without naming President Lai, whom Beijing labels a separatist. This refusal to acknowledge Taiwan's elected leader by name further diminishes the island's standing on the international stage, reinforcing the narrative of external control over its destiny. Karen Kuo confirmed Friday that there was no further information regarding a potential conversation between Lai and Trump.