US Approves $10B Arms Sale to Taiwan, Raising Tensions with China

The U.S. State Department announced on December 18, 2025, that it has approved a $10 billion arms sale to Taiwan, which includes the transfer of advanced missiles, howitzers, and drones. The sale is expected to escalate tensions with China, which has long claimed Taiwan as its own territory. The deal was announced after a review period that began in August 2025, during which the U.S. government weighed the potential impact on its relationship with China. According to a statement from the U.S. State Department, the sale will include 60 Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missiles (AMRAAMs), 100 Harpoon anti-ship missiles, and 400 AGM-84 Harpoon Block II air-launched missiles. The deal also includes 108 M109A6 Paladin self-propelled howitzers, as well as 40 UH-60M Black Hawk helicopters and 12 MQ-9 Reaper drones. The sale is expected to be finalized in the coming weeks, pending congressional approval. The sale has been met with mixed reactions from lawmakers and experts. "This sale is a clear demonstration of the U.S. commitment to Taiwan's security and sovereignty," said Senator Bob Menendez, a Democrat from New Jersey and the chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. "We will continue to work with our allies to ensure that Taiwan has the tools it needs to defend itself against the growing threat from China." However, some lawmakers have expressed concerns about the potential impact on U.S.-China relations. "This sale is a provocative move that will only serve to escalate tensions between the U.S. and China," said Senator Chris Coons, a Democrat from Delaware. "We need to be careful not to take actions that could have unintended consequences." The sale is part of a larger trend of increased military aid to Taiwan, which has been a key issue in U.S.-China relations for decades. In 2020, the U.S. passed the Taiwan Allies International Protection and Enhancement Initiative (TAIPEI) Act, which aimed to strengthen ties between the U.S. and Taiwan. The sale is also seen as a response to China's growing military presence in the region, particularly in the South China Sea. The U.S. has a long-standing policy of "strategic ambiguity" towards Taiwan, which means that it does not officially recognize Taiwan as a sovereign state but also does not explicitly commit to defending it in the event of a Chinese attack. However, the sale of advanced military equipment to Taiwan is seen as a de facto recognition of the island's sovereignty and a commitment to its defense. The sale is expected to be finalized in the coming weeks, pending congressional approval. The U.S. and Taiwan have a long-standing relationship, with the U.S. providing significant military and economic aid to the island. The sale is seen as a key part of this relationship and a demonstration of the U.S. commitment to Taiwan's security and sovereignty.