US Blocks $400 Mln Military Aid to Taiwan

US President Donald Trump has withheld approval of a $400 million military aid package for Taiwan, according to The Washington Post, as trade negotiations intensify between Washington and Beijing.

The move, if confirmed, would mark a significant shift in long-standing US policy toward Taiwan. A White House official told the paper the decision is not yet final.

Taiwan remains one of the most contentious issues in US-China relations. China claims the island as part of its territory and has vowed to bring it under its control, even by force if necessary. While the United States recognized Beijing in 1979, Congress requires Washington to continue supplying Taiwan with arms to deter potential Chinese aggression.

Trump is expected to hold a phone call on Friday with Chinese President Xi Jinping, the second since returning to the White House. The leaders are seeking compromises on trade tariffs and an agreement on the future of TikTok.

Under former President Joe Biden, the US approved more than $2 billion in military aid for Taiwan. However, the Washington Post reported that Trump does not support providing weapons without payment, a stance he has also expressed regarding Ukraine.

In August, American and Taiwanese defense officials met in Anchorage, Alaska, to discuss potential arms sales worth billions of dollars, including drones, missiles and coastal surveillance systems.

Since Trump’s return to office in January, Taiwan has expressed concern about the reliability of its security ties with Washington and America’s willingness to defend the island in the event of a Chinese attack.

During a visit to Taiwan in late August, US Senate Armed Services Committee Chairman Roger Wicker reaffirmed his country’s support, stressing that the United States and Taiwan would remain close allies and that Washington was determined to ensure Taiwan’s freedom and ability to make its own decisions.

Facing mounting Chinese military pressure in recent years, Taiwan has boosted its defense spending while the US continues to push the island to strengthen its military readiness.