US Pauses Taiwan Arms Sale, Citing Ammunition Needs

The U.S. has paused a $14 billion arms sale to Taiwan, with a temporary official citing the need to ensure sufficient ammunition for current operations. Hung Cao, the acting assistant secretary of state for political-military affairs, told Congress that the pause is to ensure the U.S. has the necessary ammunition for "Epic Resolve" operations, which he described as having "plenty."

"We are just making sure that we have everything that we need, and foreign military sales will continue when the administration determines that it is needed," Cao stated. However, a source familiar with the matter contradicted this, claiming the U.S. military possesses enough ammunition to meet all of President Donald Trump's short-term and long-term goals.

The Pentagon stated on Friday that the decision has not been finalized. Taiwan's presidential office spokesperson, Karen Kuo, said there is no information indicating the U.S. intends to change the arms deal. China's Foreign Ministry spokesperson reiterated Beijing's consistent and firm opposition to U.S. arms sales to Taiwan, emphasizing that the U.S. recognizes only Beijing but is legally obligated to supply arms to the self-governing democratic island for its defense.

China, which aims to annex Taiwan and has not ruled out the use of force, has increased military pressure on the island in recent years. Trump had previously stated he would discuss arms sales with Chinese President Xi Jinping before a visit to China last week, a departure from Washington's earlier stance of not consulting Beijing on the matter. After his visit, Trump asserted he made no promises to Xi Jinping regarding Taiwan and would make a decision on arms sales "in the relatively short term."