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Snapshot 7:Thu, Dec 18, 2025 12:02:04 PM GMT last edited by Haakan

US Announces $11.1B Arms Package to Taiwan, Largest Ever

US Announces $11.1B Arms Package to Taiwan, Largest Ever

Above: The Taiwanese military conducted its first live-fire test of the High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) on May 12, 2025, at the Jiupeng base in Pingtung. Image credit: Taiwan's Military/Handout/Contributor/Anadolu via Getty Images

The Spin

This massive $11.1 billion arms package proves America stands firmly with Taiwan against Chinese aggression and demonstrates unwavering commitment to the island's self-defense under the Taiwan Relations Act. The sale enhances Taiwan's defensive capabilities without altering regional military balance, providing critical asymmetric warfare tools like HIMARS and anti-tank systems that deter invasion. Washington's approval shows bipartisan resolve to help Taiwan maintain adequate defenses as threats intensify.

Arms sales to Taiwan persistently strain U.S.-China relations and fuel dangerous tensions over an island Beijing views as its sovereign territory. This record-breaking weapons package risks escalating military confrontation in the region and undermines diplomatic efforts between Washington and Beijing. The deal transforms Taiwan into a militarized powder keg that could drag America into direct conflict with a nuclear-armed China.

Metaculus Prediction

There is a 12% chance that China will launch a full-scale invasion of Taiwan before 2028, according to the Metaculus prediction community.


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© 2025 Improve the News Foundation. All rights reserved.Version 6.18.0

© 2025 Improve the News Foundation.

All rights reserved.

Version 6.18.0