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The United States has approved a massive arms sales package worth more than $10 billion for Taiwan, marking one of Washington’s most significant defence commitments to the island in recent years and sending a strong political signal amid rising tensions in the Indo-Pacific. The move, cleared by the US State Department and formally notified to Congress, includes advanced missile systems, artillery, drones and support equipment aimed at strengthening Taiwan’s self-defence capabilities.

US officials said the decision reflects Washington’s long-standing policy of helping Taiwan maintain a credible defensive posture, even as the announcement is expected to draw sharp reactions from China, which considers the self-ruled island part of its territory.

According to the US Defence Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA), the proposed sale comprises eight separate arms packages with a combined estimated value of about $11.1 billion. Key systems cleared for transfer include High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS), Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS), M109A7 self-propelled howitzers, anti-tank missiles and a range of unmanned aerial systems.

The largest single component involves HIMARS and associated equipment, valued at roughly $4.05 billion. Taiwan has requested 82 HIMARS launchers, hundreds of guided rockets and tactical missiles, along with logistics vehicles, command systems and training support.

Taiwan’s Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung welcomed the US decision, saying it underlined Washington’s commitment to the island’s security and defensive preparedness. He noted that the package aligns with Taiwan’s broader efforts to modernise its armed forces and deter potential aggression. Officials in Taipei have repeatedly stressed that the arms purchases are defensive in nature and intended to maintain stability across the Taiwan Strait rather than escalate tensions.

Several of the approved weapons systems are already included in Taiwan’s proposed special defence budget, which is currently under legislative review. President Lai Ching-te has earlier announced plans for a supplementary defence allocation of around $40 billion to be spread between 2026 and 2033, as Taiwan accelerates military modernisation amid a challenging regional security environment.

The arms clearance also comes days after the US Senate passed the National Defence Authorisation Act (NDAA), which includes provisions allowing up to $1 billion for Taiwan-related security cooperation in 2026.

US lawmakers backing the NDAA said the legislation reflects an evolving security landscape and aims to reinforce partnerships with allies, including Taiwan, while deterring adversaries such as China and Russia.