Taiwan remains in continuous discussions with the United States over arms sales and has received assurances that Washington’s policy toward the island has not changed following the recent summit between US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping.
Taiwanese Defense Minister Wellington Koo said officials had repeatedly received explanations from the US side that there had been no change in its policy. He added that talks on individual military sales were continuing and that Taipei had not received any notification of changes to existing cooperation.
The comments come as a major US arms package for Taiwan remains on hold. The proposed package, valued at about US$14 billion, was paused after an earlier Trump-Xi meeting, while China has repeatedly called on Washington to stop arms sales to Taiwan.
Taiwan also faces delays in previously ordered weapons. One major case involves 66 F-16V fighter jets ordered in 2019. Koo said production had reached a stage where delivery was possible, while Taiwanese media reported that the first two aircraft were in Hawaii awaiting delivery. He did not provide a specific delivery schedule but said compensation measures were involved because of the delay.
The United States does not have formal diplomatic relations with Taiwan but maintains extensive unofficial ties and is bound by the 1979 Taiwan Relations Act to provide Taiwan with the means to maintain its self-defense capabilities. Beijing considers Taiwan part of China and opposes US arms sales to the island. Taiwan’s government rejects Beijing’s sovereignty claims.
The latest statements indicate that discussions over individual arms sales are continuing even as Washington and Beijing manage broader differences over Taiwan and other issues following their recent summit.
