Donald Trump has reportedly placed a hold on $400 million worth of weapons aid to Taiwan, sparking concern that the island may be used as a bargaining tool in ongoing trade talks with China.
The suspended package is said to include lethal munitions and autonomous drones, though the decision could still be reversed, according to reports from Washington.
The timing of the move drew attention as it came shortly before Trump held a phone call with China’s leader, Xi Jinping. The two leaders discussed trade, fentanyl, TikTok, and agreed to meet in Korea in October, with Trump also planning a visit to China next year. While both governments described the call as productive, Taiwan was notably absent from official statements, despite being a central issue in US-China relations.
Beijing regards Taiwan as part of its territory and has not ruled out using military force to take control. Taiwan, however, rejects Beijing’s claims and has been strengthening its defence with support from the US. During Trump’s first presidency, arms sales to Taiwan exceeded $10 billion, and under US law since 2022, presidents have had authority to provide up to $1 billion in weapons annually to Taiwan and Ukraine. But Trump’s second term has seen a cooling of direct support, with him questioning the value of US protection and suggesting Taiwan should contribute more to its own defence. Taiwan has since announced plans to increase its military budget to 5% of GDP by 2030.
The reported pause caused unease during a defence exhibition in Taipei, where weapons manufacturers displayed their latest technology. Attendees said news of the suspension spread quickly, leaving some companies uncertain about what it meant for future contracts.
Analysts believe the move may be part of Trump’s negotiation strategy, with Taiwan being temporarily sidelined as the US seeks to secure better trade terms with Beijing. They warn, however, that China could take advantage of this pause, using it to press for concessions that might alter the long-standing pattern of US support for Taiwan.
Taiwan’s government declined to confirm or deny the report, stressing only that Washington has consistently supported its defence needs. Observers expect that US arms sales and other forms of backing for Taiwan may resume after Trump’s planned visit to China, but the pause has already fueled uncertainty about the island’s place in the wider US-China power struggle.