The United States has approved a potential $330 million sale of fighter jet spare and repair parts to Taiwan. This marks the first such military transaction under President Donald Trump. The package includes components for F-16s, C-130s, and other aircraft, aiming to strengthen Taiwan’s operational readiness against current and emerging threats.
Why It Matters
The deal comes at a sensitive moment in U.S.-China relations. Beijing, which claims Taiwan as its own territory, objects to any foreign military support to the island. Taiwan insists only its people can decide its future. The sale signals continued U.S. security backing despite political uncertainty.
Geopolitical Context
Trump recently met Chinese President Xi Jinping in South Korea to move stalled trade talks forward. Taipei had feared Trump might compromise Taiwan’s interests in exchange for trade concessions. Instead, Washington’s approval of the sale reinforces its long-standing unofficial defense partnership with Taiwan.
Taiwan: Gains crucial support to maintain its air defense capabilities.
China: Likely to protest the sale as interference in its internal affairs.
United States: Balances strategic competition with China while upholding commitments under the Taiwan Relations Act.
What’s Next
Beijing is expected to issue a diplomatic response, possibly including military or economic signaling. For Taipei, the approval strengthens deterrence and reassures policymakers of continued U.S. engagement under Trump.
With information from Reuters.
