US President Donald Trump has declined to approve a military aid package worth more than US$400 million, as he seeks to continue negotiations with China over a trade deal.
The rejected weapons tranche included munitions, self-propelled drones and other defence equipment meant for aerial and ground warfare. While the White House refrained from making any immediate comments, sources revealed that the deal had not been finalised.
Besides, the US’s de facto embassy in Taipei did not immediately respond to an inquiry, and the Taiwanese defence ministry said it was looking into the matter. Trump has adopted a strong position on the US supplying aid or funds to foreign countries, which he believes is theft and causes strain on the American people.
If the development is confirmed, then this would have a positive impact on the China-US relations, which are in a melting pot over the trade deal and reciprocal tariff wars. Trump will speak with the Chinese President for the first time since assuming office in January. Trump and Xi are likely to talk today to discuss issues hindering the trade deal.
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An exchange that may lead to a deal over TikTok’s US operations and pave the way for a meeting next month. China has long claimed 23 million self-governed Taiwan as part of its One China policy and continuously protested against US arms supplies as provocative.
Chinese Defence Minister Dong Jun on Thursday repeated a warning against “external interference” over Taiwan at a regional defence forum in the Chinese capital in a veiled swipe at Washington.
The reported pause in aid also reflects Trump’s transactional approach to foreign policy, which prioritises allies paying for their own defence. According to international defence experts, China is planning a massive blitzkrieg-like operation against Taiwan, which they believe will likely take place before or by 2027.
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