USA Puts $14 Billion Arms Sale to Taiwan on Hold

The US has put the approval of a $14 billion arms sale to Taiwan on hold.

This was reported by CBS News.

According to Acting Commander of the US Navy Hoon Cao, this is necessary to check US ammunition stocks amid the war with Iran.

At a congressional hearing, he said that the United States is taking a pause to ensure it has sufficient ammunition for a potential continuation of Operation Epic Fury.

“We’re just making sure we have everything, but then arms sales abroad will resume when the administration deems it necessary,” Cao noted.

When asked by senators whether he expects this arms sale to Taiwan to be approved at some point, Tsai replied that it would depend on the Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of State.

President Donald Trump stated on Wednesday that he is preparing to speak with Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te as part of the decision-making process to approve the $14 billion arms sale.

Direct contact between the leaders of the US and Taiwan could provoke a sharp reaction from China, which Trump visited last week.

Sales of American weapons to the island nation have also long irritated China, which considers it part of its territory and does not rule out the possibility of a military takeover.

Major arms sale

Earlier, US media reported that a large arms package the US may sell to Taiwan will consist primarily of anti-aircraft missiles for the Patriot and NASAMS air defense systems.

This year, Taiwan also plans to significantly strengthen its air defense by ordering an additional nine NASAMS systems.

The island has already signed a contract worth $698.9 million to purchase the first three systems. The new air defense systems are intended to protect Taiwan’s northern, central, southern, and eastern regions.