President Donald Trump has delayed approval of more than $400 million in military aid to Taiwan this summer, according to The Washington Post. The proposed package, described as “more lethal” than earlier rounds, included munitions and autonomous drones. A White House official tells the Post the decision isn’t yet final.
The pause comes as Trump pursues a trade deal and potential summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping.
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Taiwan’s Foreign Ministry declined to comment directly on the delay but stressed that cooperation with the U.S. remains ongoing. The ministry added that Taiwan remains determined to strengthen its defenses and work with allies to “jointly deter aggression.”
China steps up pressure
China’s military pressure on Taiwan continues to intensify. Xi has directed the People’s Liberation Army to be capable of seizing the island by 2027, U.S. officials have said, though they noted that is not a set deadline for invasion. Beijing frequently sends warships and aircraft near Taiwan, and earlier this month displayed hypersonic missiles and tanks in a military parade.
At the Xiangshan Forum in Beijing, Chinese Defense Minister Dong Jun called Taiwan “an inseparable part of China, both historically and legally.” He warned that Beijing would “never allow any separatist attempts for Taiwan independence to succeed” and pledged to defeat “any external military interference.”
How is Taiwan responding?
In response, Taiwan is moving to dramatically increase its military budget. Lawmakers are debating a supplemental defense bill to fund billions of dollars in new U.S. weapons purchases. The package would focus on “asymmetric” systems such as drones, missiles and coastal sensors, though deliveries could take years.
President Lai Ching-te has said Taiwan will raise defense spending to 5% of GDP by 2030. Next year’s budget would reach 3.3% of GDP.
Taipei is still waiting for billions in U.S. weapons, including F-16 jets and Harpoon missiles.
Trump-Xi call could shift course
Trump is scheduled to hold a call with Xi on Friday morning, the first direct engagement between the two leaders since June. The discussion will cover tariffs, TikTok’s U.S. operations, and broader trade ties. The Post said Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth recently told his Chinese counterpart the U.S. “does not seek conflict with China.”
Still, critics warn against slowing military support for Taipei. Dan Blumenthal, a former Pentagon official, said, “This would be exactly the wrong time for the U.S. to take the foot off the gas pedal.”
