According to a recent report by The Washington Post, former U.S. President Donald Trump opted not to approve a $400 million military aid package for Taiwan. This decision reportedly took place in recent months, coinciding with ongoing trade negotiations and discussions about a potential summit with Beijing.
Such a move would represent a significant shift from established U.S. policy towards the democratic island, which consistently faces the looming threat of invasion from mainland China.
While the White House confirmed to The Washington Post that the aid package decision is not yet finalized, the report highlights potential changes in American foreign policy.
This development comes ahead of a scheduled telephone conversation between President Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping on Friday — their second discussion since Trump’s return to the White House earlier this year. These high-stakes talks aim to find common ground on contentious issues such as tariffs and a resolution regarding the popular video-sharing application, TikTok.
Despite the U.S. shifting its official recognition from Taiwan to China in the late 1970s, Washington has consistently remained Taiwan’s most crucial international supporter and its primary source of military assistance.
Under the previous administration of President Joe Biden, Taiwan received over $2 billion in military aid. However, Mr. Trump has expressed a clear preference for not providing weapons without direct payment, a stance he also reportedly held regarding aid to Ukraine, as highlighted by The Washington Post.
The report further detailed that U.S. and Taiwanese defense officials convened in Anchorage, Alaska, in August. Their discussions centered on a comprehensive package of potential weapon sales, estimated to be worth billions of dollars. This package reportedly included advanced drones, various missile systems, and sophisticated sensors designed to enhance Taiwan’s coastline monitoring capabilities.
Taipei has experienced increasing apprehension regarding the robustness of its relationship with the U.S. and Washington’s commitment to its defense, especially since Mr. Trump’s return to office in January. Concerns are particularly high about the U.S.’s willingness to intervene should China launch an attack.
During a visit to Taiwan in late August, the chairman of the U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee affirmed his dedication to maintaining a strong alliance between the U.S. and Taiwan, emphasizing their enduring friendship.
Following discussions with Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te, Republican Senator Roger Wicker stated, “It is our firm determination and intention that Taiwan maintains its freedom and ability to make its own sovereign decisions.”
He further elaborated that preserving these freedoms necessitates “enhanced military cooperation, greater collaboration within our defense industrial base, and ensuring the most effective use of available funds.”