The United States announced a new arms package worth $11.15 billion for Taiwan, sparking a sharp response from China. The sale was unveiled by the State Department during President Donald Trump’s televised address on December 18, 2025. The package includes a mix of missiles, howitzers, drones, and software.
Announcement Details
President Trump’s address was brief on foreign policy, yet the State Department released the sales agreements late Wednesday. The agreements cover eight separate arms sales packages. The announcement was made publicly during the president’s national broadcast.
Package Value
The eight agreements together total $11.15 billion according to Taiwan’s Defense Ministry. This amount surpasses the $8.4 billion sold to Taiwan during the Biden administration. The sale would be the largest single U.S. weapons package to Taiwan in history.
Missile Systems
The package contains 82 HIMARS high-mobility artillery rocket systems. It also includes 420 Army Tactical Missile Systems, or ATACMS. Both systems are similar to those the U.S. supplied to Ukraine.
Howitzers and Drones
Sixty self-propelled howitzer systems and related equipment are part of the sale. The package also includes drones valued at more than $1 billion. These assets enhance Taiwan’s battlefield capabilities.
Software and Additional Weapons
Military software worth over $1 billion is included in the agreements. Javelin and TOW anti-tank missiles are valued at more than $700 million. The sale also covers helicopter spare parts and Harpoon missile refurbishment kits.
Congressional Context
The package was announced after Congress passed the National Defense Authorization Act. Trump is expected to sign the bill shortly. The act includes provisions for increased U.S. military assistance to Taiwan.
China’s Reaction
China’s Foreign Ministry condemned the sales as a violation of diplomatic agreements. The ministry said the package would gravely harm China’s sovereignty, security, and territorial integrity. It also warned that the move would undermine regional stability.
Guo Jiakun’s Statement
Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said the “Taiwan independence” forces seek independence through force. He criticized Taiwan’s purchase of weapons, calling it a powder keg. Guo warned that U.S. support would backfire.
China’s Broader View
The ministry stated that the arms sales would accelerate the Taiwan Strait toward a dangerous situation. It argued that using Taiwan to contain China would not succeed. The ministry also said the sales would push the region toward military confrontation.
Taiwan’s Defense Ministry Response
Taiwan’s Defense Ministry thanked the United States for the sale. It said the package would help maintain sufficient self-defence capabilities. The ministry said it would strengthen deterrence and regional peace.
Taiwan’s Foreign Minister’s Comment
Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung thanked the U.S. for long-term support. He said the support is key for deterring conflict in the Taiwan Strait. He emphasized the importance of maintaining a credible defensive posture.
Taiwan’s Defense Spending Goals
Taiwan plans to raise defense spending to 3.3 % of its GDP next year. The goal is to reach 5 % by 2030. This increase follows the U.S. request for Taiwan to spend as much as 10 % of GDP on defense.
Taiwan’s Special Budget
President Lai Ching-te announced a special $40 billion budget for arms purchases. The budget will be allocated over eight years, from 2026 to 2033. It includes funding for an air defence system called Taiwan Dome.
Taiwan Dome Project
The Taiwan Dome is described as a high-level detection and interception system. It aims to provide advanced air defence capabilities. The project is part of Taiwan’s broader deterrence strategy.
U.S. Legislative Preview
The U.S. boost in military assistance was previewed in legislation adopted by Congress. Trump is expected to sign the bill soon. The legislation aligns with the administration’s policy toward Taiwan.
Chinese Embassy Reaction
Last week, the Chinese embassy in Washington denounced the National Defense Authorization Act. It said the act unfairly targeted China as an aggressor. The embassy’s statement was reported by the Associated Press.
Senate Passage
The U.S. Senate passed the National Defense Authorization Act on Wednesday. The bill includes provisions for increased aid to Taiwan. It was signed into law by President Trump.
U.S. Policy Background
Under federal law, the United States is obligated to assist Taiwan with its self-defence. This obligation has become more contentious with China’s threat of force. The policy is part of the broader U.S. strategy in the Indo-Pacific.
Trade Context
U.S.-Chinese tensions have largely centered on trade and tariffs during Trump’s second term. The arms sales add a new dimension to the rivalry. The trade disputes have been a backdrop to the broader strategic competition.
Implications for Taiwan
The arms package is intended to modernise Taiwan’s armed forces. It aims to maintain a credible defensive capability. The sale is seen as a boost to Taiwan’s deterrence posture.
Implications for China
China views the sales as a direct challenge to its sovereignty. The ministry said the package would worsen tensions in the Taiwan Strait. It has called the sales a violation of diplomatic agreements.
Regional Security
The sale is part of the United States’ broader effort to support allies in the region. It reflects the U.S. commitment to maintaining security in the Indo-Pacific. The move is consistent with the U.S. policy of supporting regional stability.
International Reactions
The United States and Taiwan are the only parties quoted in the report. No other international statements were included. The article focuses on the U.S. and Chinese positions.
Key Takeaways
- The U.S. announced an $11.15 billion arms package to Taiwan, the largest ever.
- China condemned the sale as a violation of diplomatic agreements.
- Taiwan thanked the United States and highlighted the package’s role in strengthening deterrence.
Closing
The announcement marks a significant escalation in U.S. military support for Taiwan. The package reflects the United States’ continued commitment to Taiwan’s defense. China’s reaction underscores the high stakes of the Taiwan Strait dispute.
