US Plans to Significantly Increase Arms Sales to Taiwan as a Signal Against China

The administration of US President Donald Trump plans to increase arms sales to Taiwan. Washington aims to send a strong signal to China, which has been escalating military pressure on the democratically governed island. Two US officials reported this development.

If the plans proceed, arms sales during Trump's second term could 'easily' exceed those of his first term, the officials stated. Previously, Trump approved approximately $18.3 billion (€16.1 billion) in arms deliveries to Taiwan, compared to $8.4 billion (€7.4 billion) under his successor, Democrat Joe Biden.

The news comes as US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth visits Singapore for an annual defense forum. Allies and partners gather there, with the US leading efforts to counter China. Beijing is sending a lower-level delegation to the Shangri-La Dialogue to avoid a potential meeting with Hegseth.