U.S. Congress Reaffirms $14 Billion Taiwan Arms Support as Trump Called Sales a Negotiating Chip
Updated
Updated · CNBC · May 30
U.S. Congress Reaffirms $14 Billion Taiwan Arms Support as Trump Called Sales a Negotiating Chip
14 articles · Updated · CNBC · May 30
Bipartisan U.S. lawmakers at the Shangri-La Dialogue said congressional backing for Taiwan's security remains firm, stressing Washington's commitment has not changed despite past comments from President Donald Trump.
Tammy Duckworth, Pat Harrigan and Greg Meeks said Congress approved about $14 billion in arms sales to Taiwan on a bipartisan basis and is prepared to provide what the island needs for self-defense.
Taiwan has stayed central to U.S.-China tensions because Beijing claims the self-governed island, while Trump previously described the approved arms sales as a possible bargaining chip with China.
Pete Hegseth did not mention Taiwan in his Shangri-La remarks, but Representative Michael Baumgartner said his emphasis on preserving the status quo should be understood as including Taiwan.
How can Washington's support for Taiwan coexist with its diplomatic goal of preventing a wider regional conflict?
With new US arms, how does Taiwan's 'T-dome' defense network alter Beijing's invasion calculus?
Is the policy of 'strategic ambiguity' still a credible deterrent against China's growing military power?
U.S.-Taiwan Arms Sales in Crisis: Trump’s $14 Billion Pause, Congressional PORCUPINE Act, and Regional Security Risks
Overview
In May 2026, President Donald Trump delayed signing a $14 billion arms deal for Taiwan, sparking confusion and concern about U.S. commitment to Taiwan’s defense amid rising pressure from Beijing. Trump described the pause as a negotiating chip in trade talks with China, while Acting Navy Secretary Hung Cao said the Pentagon was prioritizing munitions for the war with Iran. These conflicting explanations from U.S. leaders fueled uncertainty and anxiety in Taiwan about the reliability of American support, highlighting internal divisions and complicating Taiwan’s defense planning at a critical time.