TAIPEI (TVBS News) — The U.S. government formally notified Taiwan of an arms sale package worth US$11.154 billion (around NT$351 billion) on Thursday (Dec. 18). This marks the second arms sale to Taiwan under President Donald Trump's second term, following an earlier package this year. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA, 外交部) said the notification was sent to Congress for review.
The sale includes eight items, including the Taiwan Tactical Network (TTN), Team Awareness Kit (TAK), AH-1W helicopter parts, M109A7 howitzers, BGM-71 TOW missiles, M142 HIMARS, FGM-148 Javelin, and ALTIUS-60. MOFA confirmed the U.S. administration informed Congress, reinforcing its commitment to Taiwan's security under the Taiwan Relations Act, a 1979 U.S. law, and the Six Assurances.
Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung (林佳龍) welcomed the U.S. move, stating the U.S. is implementing its updated National Security Strategy (NSS). The strategy highlights the significance of Taiwan's strategic position and military strengthening in deterring conflict in the Taiwan Strait, the waterway separating Taiwan from China. Lin emphasized the importance of this arms package for regional stability.
MOFA emphasized this arms sale reaffirms the U.S.'s steadfast commitment to Taiwan's security and continues the policy of regular arms sales to the island. Taiwan faces frequent military activities and gray zone provocations, actions below armed conflict threshold, from China in the region, prompting it to enhance defense capabilities. The ministry reiterated Taiwan's intention to deepen cooperation with the U.S. and other security partners to bolster defense and resilience. ◼ (At time of reporting, US$1 equals approximately NT$31.5)
