Overview

• Multiple outlets, citing the Washington Post, report that President Trump declined to approve a more-than-$400 million drawdown for Taiwan that included munitions and autonomous drones.
• The pause coincided with efforts to negotiate trade and a TikTok framework with Beijing, and after Friday’s Trump–Xi call the president touted productive progress and an October meeting plan, with no official mention of Taiwan in the readouts.
• A White House representative said the package has not been finalized and may be reviewed.
• Taiwan’s government emphasized ongoing cooperation with the United States and is accelerating self-defense measures, including recent funding for drones and ships and a focus on resilience.
• The reported hold departs from recent fast-track aid to Taipei under prior practice, as Washington and Taipei discuss potential weapons sales worth billions that align with a preference for purchases over free transfers.