Overview

• Multiple reports say the held-back package included lethal munitions and autonomous drones that officials described as more potent than earlier rounds.
• The pause coincided with trade and TikTok negotiations as Trump spoke with Xi Jinping on Friday, reported progress, and said they plan to meet in Korea next month with a China visit next year.
• Officials have signaled a shift toward having Taipei fund purchases, with discussions on larger sales in Anchorage and an informal alert to Congress about a possible $500 million sale.
• Taiwan’s foreign ministry emphasized continued U.S.-Taiwan defense cooperation, and President Lai Ching-te urged readiness as Taipei increases defense spending toward a 5% of GDP target by 2030.
• Analysts warn a near-term gap in Taiwan’s defenses could emerge as the PLA expands, even as the White House stresses the pause is not final and could be reversed.