How do US arms sales to Taiwan work and why are they such a sore point for China?

How Do US Arms Sales to Taiwan Work and Why Are They a Sore Point for China?

How do US arms sales to Taiwan – In the wake of President Donald Trump’s meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping earlier this month, the focus has shifted to Washington’s continued backing of Taiwan. During their summit, Xi issued a clear warning to his American counterpart, stressing that Taiwan could become a “very dangerous situation” if the US didn’t manage its support carefully. Trump, however, has postponed signing a $14 billion arms agreement for Taiwan, which had been passed by Congress in recent weeks. He described the deal as a “very good negotiating chip” in his ongoing discussions with Xi. At the same time, Acting US Navy Secretary Hung Cao cited the Pentagon’s need to ensure it had enough weapons for the conflict with Iran as a reason for the delay. Yet Taiwan’s Defense Ministry reported last week that it had not received any official notice of the holdup, leaving the island in a state of uncertainty.

The Legal Framework Behind US Military Sales

Despite the recent pause, the US remains obligated by law to supply Taiwan with defensive arms. This commitment stems from the Taiwan Relations Act, enacted by Congress in 1979 to safeguard the island’s security after the US switched diplomatic recognition from Taipei to Beijing. The act established a framework for continued military cooperation, even though the mutual defense treaty was terminated in the same year. At the time, many in Congress criticized the decision, calling it a “bad bargain,” as it left Taiwan vulnerable. The Brookings Institution noted that President Jimmy Carter’s administration had prioritized diplomatic ties with China over Taiwan’s defense, a move that raised concerns about the island’s survival.

“They felt that by giving into Chinese demands that he terminate diplomatic relations with Taiwan and end the mutual defense treaty, Carter had left the island profoundly vulnerable,” said the Brookings Institution.

The act’s provisions are explicit: the US shall provide Taiwan with “arms of a defensive character” to help it maintain a “sufficient self-defense capacity.” While a 1982 joint statement between the US and China mentioned a gradual reduction in arms sales, Beijing has long argued that the agreement was binding. US officials, including Trump, have consistently denied this, emphasizing that the sale reductions were never set to a specific timeline and that the US would not consult Beijing before proceeding with deliveries.

A Delicate Balance of Strategy and Supply

The process of delivering arms to Taiwan is often slower than expected, with delays frequently stretching over several years. Jeff Abramson, a senior non-resident fellow at the Center for International Policy, explained that defense sales are not always immediate. “Typically, arms are not already manufactured when they are first sold, but are instead orders,” he said. “The timing of their delivery can depend on industrial capacity, US military needs, or shifting priorities.” This has led to a significant backlog of military equipment, according to a report from the Taiwan Security Monitor (TSM) project at George Mason University. As of April 2026, the island was still awaiting nearly $30 billion in weapons, highlighting the challenges in meeting its defense requirements.

“It is not unusual for defense sales to take years to complete, sometimes never actually meeting full delivery,” Abramson added.

Examples of the delays underscore the complexity of the issue. An order for 291 ALTIUS-600M loitering munitions placed in 2024 was finalized in 21 months, a relatively quick turnaround. However, an order for 108 Abrams tanks from 2019 took 81 months to complete, with the final units arriving only last month. Similarly, F-16 fighter jet orders placed years ago are still pending, with production and flight testing only recently beginning. These timelines reflect the interplay between geopolitical considerations and logistical challenges in fulfilling Taiwan’s defense needs.

China’s Strategic Concerns and the Risk of Escalation

For China, the US arms sales to Taiwan are more than a military matter—they are a symbol of Washington’s support for the island’s independence. Beijing views Taiwan as an inseparable part of its territory and has not ruled out the use of force to reclaim it. This stance has led to heightened tensions, especially as the US continues to bolster Taiwan’s defenses. While the US has maintained that its actions are consistent with the Taiwan Relations Act, China sees them as provocative. The recent delay in the $14 billion deal, for instance, has been interpreted by some as a strategic maneuver to ease pressure during the summit.

The conflict between the US and China over Taiwan’s status has also influenced the arms sale process. Despite the joint communique of 1982, which outlined a plan for gradual reductions, Beijing has insisted that the US must not interfere with its plans to unify Taiwan. Meanwhile, US officials have argued that the act gives them the flexibility to act in Taiwan’s defense without prior consultation. This disagreement has created a dynamic where the US can provide arms while China perceives it as a threat to its territorial integrity.

The Impact of Delays on Taiwan’s Defense Readiness

Taiwan’s military relies heavily on US support, with purchases spanning decades. Since 1979, the island has acquired tens of billions of dollars worth of US-made systems, from large vessels like destroyers and frigates to smaller but critical items such as anti-aircraft and anti-tank missiles. However, the delivery of these weapons has often been inconsistent, leaving Taiwan to manage its defense with limited resources. The TSM project has highlighted how this delay affects Taiwan’s ability to prepare for potential threats. “The backlog has created a situation where Taiwan’s armed forces are not fully equipped to respond to immediate challenges,” said Joe O’Connor, assistant director at TSM.

The current delays in the arms deal have further complicated matters. While Trump’s administration claims the holdup is temporary, Taiwan’s leadership has expressed frustration. The Defense Ministry stated in April that it had not been informed of any changes to the delivery schedule, raising questions about transparency. This lack of clarity has sparked debates about the reliability of US commitments and the potential consequences for Taiwan’s security. As the standoff continues, the US faces the challenge of balancing its strategic alliances with China while maintaining support for Taiwan.

Looking Ahead: What’s Next for US-Taiwan Arms Sales?

With the US and China locked in a strategic dance, the future of arms sales to Taiwan remains uncertain. Trump’s decision to delay the $14 billion deal has added another layer of complexity to the negotiations. While the US has reiterated its adherence to the Taiwan Relations Act, Beijing’s interpretation of the agreement has kept the issue contentious. The prolonged backlog of weapons and the potential for further delays highlight the need for a clearer framework to ensure Taiwan’s defense capabilities are sustained. As the geopolitical landscape evolves, the arms sale process will continue to be a key point of contention in the US-China relationship.