The US approves $11bn arms sale to Taiwan, including HIMARS, howitzers, and drones, sparking strong condemnation from China

The United States has approved an $11 billion arms package for Taiwan, marking one of the largest weapons deals for the island and prompting a sharp rebuke from China.

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Taipei confirmed the sale on Thursday, noting it follows a smaller $330 million arms deal in November and demonstrates Washington’s continued commitment to Taiwan’s security.

The package, which requires approval from the US Congress, includes HIMARS rocket systems, howitzers, anti-tank missiles, drones, and other military equipment, according to Taiwan’s foreign ministry.

“This is the second arms sale to Taiwan announced during the Trump administration’s second term, once again demonstrating the US’s firm commitment to Taiwan’s security,” the ministry said.

China reacted angrily, urging the US to adhere to the one-China principle and warning that it would take “resolute and forceful measures” to protect its territorial integrity.

“China urges the United States to immediately stop the dangerous actions of arming Taiwan,” Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun said.

Beijing considers Taiwan part of its territory and has threatened to use force to bring the island under its control.

The scale of the package rivals the $18 billion authorised under former US president George W. Bush in 2001, though that deal was ultimately downsized.

During Trump’s first term, the US also approved $10 billion in arms sales to Taiwan, including $8 billion for fighter jets.

Taiwan’s defence ministry said the latest sale would assist the island in rapidly building “robust deterrence capabilities.”

President Lai Ching-te’s government has pledged to raise defence spending to more than three percent of GDP next year and five percent by 2030, while seeking up to NT$1 trillion to upgrade air defence systems and ammunition capacity.

Chinese military activity around Taiwan remains high. Taipei reported detecting 40 Chinese aircraft, including fighters, helicopters, and drones, alongside eight naval vessels, in a 24-hour period ending early Thursday.

Beijing’s newest aircraft carrier, the Fujian, sailed through the Taiwan Strait on Tuesday.

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Taiwan continues to rely heavily on US arms to counterbalance China’s superior military power.