"US Unleashes $10 Billion Arms Bonanza to Taiwan"

US Announces Massive Arms Sales to Taiwan Valued at Over $10 Billion, Enrages China The Trump administration has announced a massive package of arms sales to Taiwan valued at more than $10 billion, a move that is expected to infuriate China. The State Department announced the sales late Wednesday, December 17, 2025, during a nationally televised address by President Donald Trump. According to the State Department, the arms package includes medium-range missiles, howitzers, and drones, which are expected to significantly enhance Taiwan's military capabilities. The sales are valued at over $10 billion, making it one of the largest arms deals in US history. The move is seen as a significant escalation of tensions between the US and China, which has long claimed Taiwan as its own territory. The announcement comes as a surprise to many, as the US has traditionally maintained a delicate balance in its relations with Taiwan and China. However, according to a senior administration official, the decision was made to support Taiwan's right to self-defense and to counter China's growing military presence in the region. "We believe that this package will help to strengthen Taiwan's military capabilities and enhance its ability to defend itself against potential threats," the official said. The arms sales are also seen as a significant blow to China's efforts to isolate Taiwan diplomatically and economically. China has long been critical of US arms sales to Taiwan, viewing them as a threat to its sovereignty and territorial integrity. In response to the announcement, China's Foreign Ministry issued a statement condemning the US for "undermining" regional stability and "interfering" in China's internal affairs. The move has also been met with criticism from some lawmakers in the US, who have expressed concerns about the potential impact on US-China relations. "This decision is a reckless and provocative move that will only serve to escalate tensions in the region," said Senator Chris Murphy (D-CT). However, other lawmakers have welcomed the move, arguing that it is necessary to support Taiwan's right to self-defense. The arms sales are expected to be finalized in the coming weeks, pending approval from the US Congress. The move is seen as a significant development in the complex and often contentious relationship between the US and China, and is likely to have far-reaching implications for regional security and stability. In a statement, President Trump said that the arms sales were necessary to support Taiwan's right to self-defense and to counter China's growing military presence in the region. "We will continue to stand by Taiwan and support its right to self-defense, and we will not be intimidated by China's aggressive behavior," he said. The US has a long history of providing military aid to Taiwan, but the scale and scope of the current package are unprecedented. The move is seen as a significant escalation of tensions between the US and China, and is likely to have far-reaching implications for regional security and stability. Background information and context: The US has traditionally maintained a delicate balance in its relations with Taiwan and China, with a policy of "strategic ambiguity" that has allowed it to maintain good relations with both countries. However, in recent years, China has become increasingly assertive in its claims to Taiwan, and the US has begun to take a more assertive stance in support of Taiwan's right to self-defense. The arms sales are also seen as a response to China's growing military presence in the region, including its development of advanced missile systems and its increasing presence in the South China Sea. The US has long been critical of China's military expansion, and has sought to counter it through a series of diplomatic and military initiatives. Current status and next steps: The arms sales are expected to be finalized in the coming weeks, pending approval from the US Congress. The move is seen as a significant development in the complex and often contentious relationship between the US and China, and is likely to have far-reaching implications for regional security and stability.