Overview

• U.S. officials expect arms sales notifications to Taipei over the next four years to surpass the roughly $18.3 billion approved during Trump’s first term.
• Washington is pressing Kuomintang and Taiwan People’s Party lawmakers not to oppose a Democratic Progressive Party proposal to lift defense spending to 3% of GDP through a special budget.
• Planned arms packages will emphasize cost-effective systems such as missiles, munitions and drones to improve Taiwan’s ability to counter China’s larger forces.
• Beijing has stepped up military drills around Taiwan and reiterated that it may use force to achieve reunification if deemed necessary.
• Taiwan’s Presidential Office says the island remains committed to deepening security cooperation with the U.S. and strengthening its self-defense posture.