14 billion for the defense of the island: US prepares record arms package for Taiwan
/ 16 March 2026 21:19
2 min to read
The United States is preparing the largest military aid package in history for Taiwan. The package involves the supply of advanced air defense systems worth approximately $14 billion, which could be approved by U.S. President Donald Trump following his visit to China.
Reuters reports this, citing sources familiar with the negotiations.
The decision may be announced after the trip to Beijing
According to the agency’s sources, the agreement is currently being kept secret ahead of Trump’s planned visit to Beijing.
The U.S. president is expected to meet with Chinese leader Xi Jinping between March 31 and April 2. An official announcement regarding the military aid package for Taiwan may come after the U.S. president returns from the meeting.
What weapons will Taiwan receive?
According to sources, the bulk of the package will consist of modern air defense systems, specifically:
- PAC-3 anti-aircraft missiles for Patriot systems;
- NASAMS systems designed to intercept aerial targets.
One of Reuters’ sources noted that the package is technically ready for implementation.
“As soon as the president gives his approval, everything will be ready for an official announcement. Everything has already been done,” the source told the agency.
A sensitive issue in U.S.-China relations
Arms sales to Taiwan have traditionally been one of the most sensitive issues in relations between Washington and Beijing.
China considers Taiwan its territory and has repeatedly opposed military aid to the island. In February, Xi Jinping told Donald Trump that the sale of American weapons to Taiwan should be carried out with “caution.”
Previous Deliveries and China’s Reaction
In December, the Donald Trump administration had already announced an arms package for Taiwan worth approximately $11 billion, aimed at strengthening the island’s defense capabilities.
Beijing sharply criticized this decision. Following this, on December 29, the Chinese military conducted large-scale military exercises around Taiwan under the name “Operation Justice 2025.”
Analysts note that for decades, the U.S. has been trying to balance supporting Taiwan’s defense with maintaining complex diplomatic relations with China.
