Trump 'considering' $14 billion Taiwan arms sale amid reports of pause

U.S. President Donald Trump said on June 6 that he is "considering" a $14 billion arms sale to Taiwan, a deal that had reportedly been put on hold. The question arose as Trump was traveling on Air Force One, following his visit with Chinese leader Xi Jinping. The potential sale has drawn significant attention amid ongoing U.S.-China relations.

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We are considering this matter.

Earlier, the acting U.S. Navy Secretary, Hung Cao, suggested that the arms sale was suspended due to the war in Iran. However, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio recently reaffirmed that large-scale arms sales to Taiwan, which face opposition from China, are still under review. Rubio emphasized that the U.S. policy toward Taiwan remains unchanged and that the U.S. does not consult China on such sales.

"We do not consult China on our arms sales to Taiwan," Rubio stated, adding, "This is consistent with our long-standing and unchanged policy." He further clarified that while China frequently discusses arms sales to Taiwan, it "is by no means a reason for us or the White House to make a decision." Rubio noted that the decision on the timing and execution of such sales ultimately rests with the President, and that the deal has already received congressional approval, been announced, and funded.

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We do not consult China on our arms sales to Taiwan. This is consistent with our long-standing and unchanged policy.

When asked directly about a decision on the arms sale during his interaction with the media on Air Force One, Trump offered a brief response: "We are considering this matter."

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this is by no means a reason for us or the White House to make a decision. It is something the President must decide on when and how to execute it. The case has received congressional approval, has been announced, and the funds are in place.