A $14 billion arms sale package to Taiwan remains stalled, openly described by President Donald Trump as a “very good negotiating chip” with China, revealing the transactional nature of imperial power projection. This comes after the US administration approved a separate $11 billion arms sale package to Taiwan in December same year, demonstrating the continuous flow of capital into the military-industrial complex under the guise of "defense."
Alexander Yui Tah-ray, Taiwan’s top diplomat in the U.S., stated that Taiwan needs these arms for “defensive purposes” and is increasing its “defense expenditure” to acquire U.S. equipment. This commitment of public funds from Taiwan directly benefits American arms manufacturers, ensuring a steady market for their products.
The US government's obligation to provide Taiwan with hardware to deter aggression from China is enshrined in domestic law, solidifying the state's role in maintaining this economic relationship. China, which claims sovereignty over the island, consistently opposes these sales, viewing them as interference in its core interests.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio affirmed that U.S. policy on Taiwan has not changed, stating Washington does not “consult with the Chinese on these arms deals.” Rubio emphasized that these transactions are “not negotiated, and they are not consulted,” underscoring the unilateral exercise of economic and military power by the US state.
Rubio also acknowledged that the proposal was under review due to factors including the “availability of the stocks in the short term,” which have been drawn down during the Iran war. This highlights the interconnectedness of global military engagements and the constant demand placed on the arms production apparatus.
The Business of "Defense"
The Pentagon’s national defense strategy, published in January same year, explicitly states that the U.S. “will build, posture, and sustain a strong denial defense” along a strategic line of islands, including Taiwan, to keep China out of the wider Pacific Ocean. This strategy frames military expansion as a necessary measure to secure geopolitical dominance, which in turn guarantees markets and resources for transnational corporations.
Yui arrived in Washington in late third year during Joe Biden’s presidency, a period when Biden had stated he would send troops to the island if Beijing attacked. Now, Yui navigates the second Trump administration, which has adopted a more conciliatory tone with Beijing following a trade war, yet the underlying drive for arms sales persists.
Imperial Ambitions in the Pacific
Trump’s actions, such as ignoring a Reagan-era promise not to agree to prior consultation with Beijing on arms sales, and his consideration of calling Taiwan President Lai Ching-te, represent tactical shifts in managing imperial relations. Despite these perceived “mixed messages,” Yui expressed confidence, noting, “The big stick is still there,” a clear reference to the enduring military-industrial capacity.
China, for its part, sends warships and military aircraft near Taiwan almost daily and has conducted major military exercises around the island in recent years. Beijing’s actions are presented as a threat by Yui, who stated, “It is the People’s Republic of China who is sending all the planes and ships,” and “They’re the ones who’s trying to annihilate our freedom and democracy in Taiwan.” This framing serves to justify the continued demand for US weaponry.
The competition between these two major powers for regional dominance ensures a continuous market for arms manufacturers and perpetuates a cycle of military buildup. The focus on “self-defense” and “deterrence” masks the underlying economic interests driving these massive expenditures, diverting public resources towards instruments of war rather than social welfare.