US reviewing $14 billion arms sale to Taiwan; Washington's policy unaffected by Beijing: Legislator

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has reiterated that American policy toward Taiwan has not changed, emphasizing that the Trump administration is currently assessing a $14 billion arms sale to the island. This statement serves as a significant signal amidst ongoing geopolitical tensions and China's persistent objections to such military support.

“

Rubio's statement once again affirms that the core of U.S. security cooperation with Taiwan is based on U.S. national interests and regional peace and stability, and will not change because of CCP opposition.

Chen Guan-ting, convener of the Legislative Yuan's Foreign and Defense Committee, affirmed Blinken's remarks. He stated that U.S. security cooperation with Taiwan is fundamentally rooted in America's own national interests and the pursuit of regional peace and stability. Chen stressed that this cooperation will not waver, regardless of opposition from Beijing.

Chen Guan-ting further elaborated that while external factors and interactions between the U.S. and China might influence the pace of arms sales, a comprehensive judgment of U.S. policy requires looking beyond single statements. He pointed to actual U.S. policies, institutional procedures, and strategic direction as more reliable indicators. The confirmation that arms sales will not be shelved or canceled due to Chinese objections is a crucial signal, he noted.

“

The CCP has long tried to package Taiwan's security issues as bargaining chips in U.S.-China negotiations, and uses diplomatic pressure and military intimidation to try to weaken the legitimacy of the international community's support for Taiwan.

He accused China of attempting to leverage Taiwan's security issues as a bargaining chip in U.S.-China negotiations, using diplomatic pressure and military intimidation to undermine international support for Taiwan. Chen asserted that Taiwan's defense needs are not subject to Beijing's approval and that U.S. arms sales should not be determined by China. The ultimate goal of U.S.-Taiwan security cooperation, he added, is to maintain the status quo in the Taiwan Strait and prevent miscalculations by authoritarian states that could endanger the Indo-Pacific order.

“

Taiwan's defense needs are not an issue that China can comment on, and U.S. arms sales should not be decided by Beijing.

Chen also highlighted the ongoing evaluation of the $14 billion arms sale, indicating that the process continues. He urged Taiwan to demonstrate a responsible commitment to self-defense by strengthening asymmetric capabilities, improving ammunition and logistics readiness, accelerating drone development, enhancing indigenous defense capabilities, and ensuring its defense budget and procurement systems meet frontline needs. He concluded by stating that Taiwan seeks no conflict and does not provoke, but must bolster its defenses and deepen cooperation with allies to ensure peace and dialogue based on equality and mutual trust.

“

Blinken's mention of the $14 billion arms sale to Taiwan is still under evaluation, indicating that the relevant procedures are continuing to advance.