Advertisement2026 Trump-Xi summitChinaPoliticsWill the postponed Trump-Xi summit affect US arms sales to Taiwan?
Possible US$14 billion package said to be on track but broader concerns loom as America depletes ammunition stockpiles in Middle East
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Lawrence Chungin TaipeiA delayed summit between Donald Trump and Xi Jinping has raised concerns over whether the postponement could affect a reported record US arms sales package to Taiwan, as officials insist the deal remains on track.
A US$14 billion arms package – possibly the largest ever for Taiwan – is ready for the American president’s approval and could be announced after his visit to Beijing, according to Reuters on Friday.
The proposed sale is expected to include advanced air-defence systems such as Patriot PAC-3 missiles and the National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System (Nasams), as well as an additional US$6 billion in “asymmetric” capabilities.
AdvertisementHowever, uncertainty has mounted after Trump said he asked Beijing to postpone the summit, originally scheduled between March 31 and April 2, by about a month because of the conflict in the Middle East.
On Tuesday, Taiwan’s defence minister, Wellington Koo Li-hsiung, sought to reassure the public, saying Taipei had not received any indication of a sales delay.
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