Trump aims to exceed first term weapons sales to Taiwan, officials say

The Taiwanese military conducts its first High Mobility Artillery Rocket System(HIMARS) live-fire test launch at the Jiupeng base in Pingtung on May 12, 2025. The government aims to increase defence spending to three per cent of Taiwan's budget.- AFP

WASHINGTON/TAIPEI: The United States plans to ramp up weapons sales to Taipei to a level exceeding President Donald Trump's first term as part of an effort to deter China as it intensifies military pressure on the democratic island, according to two US officials.

If US arms sales to Taiwan do accelerate, it could ease worries about the extent of Trump's commitment to the island. It would also add new friction to the tense U.S.-China relationship.