Taiwan Confirms Arms Sales Talks with US Continue, Cites Policy Reassurances

Taiwan is in continuous discussions with the United States regarding arms sales and has received reassurances that Washington's policy has not changed following a recent summit between U.S. and Chinese leaders, according to Taiwan's Defence Minister Wellington Koo.

Reassurances After US-China Summit

Speaking to reporters in Taipei on Tuesday, Koo stated that the Taiwanese government has "repeatedly received explanations from the US side that US policy toward Taiwan has not changed." He added that Taipei has not been notified of any alterations to existing military sales agreements.

"Regarding the ongoing military sales cases, we are also in continuous discussions with the US side," Koo said. "To my knowledge, we have not received any notifications of changes so far."

These comments follow a period of uncertainty after U.S. President Donald Trump suggested in May that a new arms package, reportedly worth around $14 billion, was being kept "in abeyance."

F-16V Delivery Backlog

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Taiwan is currently facing a backlog of previously approved weapons purchases from the U.S. A significant delay involves a 2019 order for 66 Lockheed Martin F-16V fighter jets, which are critical for modernizing Taiwan's air force to counter advanced Chinese aircraft like the J-20 stealth fighter.

Koo declined to provide a specific delivery schedule for the F-16Vs but acknowledged the delay, noting that "compensation measures" are involved. He affirmed that Taiwan would "continue to coordinate with the US side" on the deliveries. According to the source, Lockheed Martin did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Geopolitical Context

The United States is Taiwan's most important international supporter and arms supplier, operating under the framework of the 1979 Taiwan Relations Act, which obligates Washington to provide the island with the means to defend itself. Beijing, which claims Taiwan as its own territory, has consistently demanded an end to these sales.

Despite the lack of formal diplomatic ties, the arms relationship is a cornerstone of U.S. policy in the region and a persistent source of friction in U.S.-China relations.