Al Mayadeen English

  • Ar
  • Es
  • x
Al Mayadeen English

Slogan

  • News
    • Politics
    • Economy
    • Sports
    • Arts&Culture
    • Health
    • Miscellaneous
    • Technology
    • Environment
  • Articles
    • Opinion
    • Analysis
    • Blog
    • Features
  • Videos
    • NewsFeed
    • Video Features
    • Explainers
    • TV
    • Digital Series
  • Infographs
  • In Pictures
  • • LIVE
News
  • Politics
  • Economy
  • Sports
  • Arts&Culture
  • Health
  • Miscellaneous
  • Technology
  • Environment
Articles
  • Opinion
  • Analysis
  • Blog
  • Features
Videos
  • NewsFeed
  • Video Features
  • Explainers
  • TV
  • Digital Series
Infographs
In Pictures
  • Africa
  • Asia
  • Asia-Pacific
  • Europe
  • Latin America
  • MENA
  • Palestine
  • US & Canada
BREAKING
Al Mayadeen's correspondent in South Lebanon: Israeli drone strikes town of Harouf, Nabatieh district.
Factions' statement: The attendees agreed to support and continue implementing the ceasefire agreement measures, including the withdrawal of the occupation and lifting the siege.
Factions' statement: Calling for an end to all forms of torture and violations against prisoners in occupation prisons and the necessity of obligating the occupation to do so.
Statement: The current moment is crucial, making the meeting a true turning point toward national unity in defense of our people and their right to life, dignity, and freedom.
Factions' statement: Call for an urgent meeting of all Palestinian forces and factions to agree on a national strategy.
Factions' statement: Continuing joint work to unify visions and positions to confront the challenges facing the Palestinian cause.
Statement of the factions: Emphasis on the unity of the Palestinian political system and the independent national decision.
Statement: Approval to establish an international committee to oversee the financing and implementation of the reconstruction of the Gaza Strip.
Statement: The committee is responsible for managing life and services in cooperation with Arab brothers and international institutions, based on transparency and accountability.
Resistance factions' statement: Agreement to hand over the administration of the Gaza Strip to a temporary Palestinian committee of independent technocrats.

US to boost Taiwan arms sales beyond Trump's $18.3B benchmark

  • By Al Mayadeen English
  • Source: Reuters
  • 30 May 2025 21:04
  • 2 Shares
3 Min Read

Despite the absence of formal diplomatic relations between Washington and Taipei, the US continues to interfere in China's internal affairs under the pretext of security cooperation.

Listen
  • x
  • AP
    27 August 2019, Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, Cammin: Soldiers of Air Defence Missile Group 21 of the Bundeswehr Air Force are practicing the establishment of an air defence position (AP)

Reuters on Friday reported that the United States is preparing to significantly increase arms sales to Taiwan, with projected totals expected to surpass the $18.3 billion approved during Donald Trump's first term. 

Two US officials familiar with the matter said the Biden administration is laying the groundwork for a surge in weapons transfers over the next four years. One official told Reuters that upcoming sales notifications "could easily exceed" previous levels, pointing to a deliberate shift toward strengthening Taiwan's "hard deterrence" posture through cost-effective systems such as missiles, drones, and munitions.

The administration is also actively pressing Taiwan's political opposition not to obstruct the government's proposal to raise defense spending to 3% of GDP. "We're messaging pretty hard [in Taipei] to the opposition. Don't get in the way of this. This isn't a Taiwanese partisan question. This is a Taiwanese [national interest]," one US official was quoted as saying.

Taiwan's Presidential Office welcomed the deepening cooperation, with spokesperson Wen Lii reaffirming Taipei's strategic direction: "Taiwan aims to enhance military deterrence while continuing to deepen its security cooperation with the United States."

Taiwan 'Anxiety'

Related News

China declares October 25 as commemoration day of Taiwan’s restoration

Taipei turns to MAGA influencers ahead of Trump-Xi talks

Despite bipartisan support in Washington, Trump's past rhetoric has caused concern in Taipei. On the campaign trail, he suggested that Taiwan should pay for US military protection and accused the island of damaging US semiconductor interests—remarks that sparked anxiety among Taiwanese officials about the reliability of American backing under a second Trump presidency.

Nonetheless, US officials insist that the administration, including Trump himself, is committed to expanding Taiwan's defense capabilities. "That's where the president is. That's where all of us are," said one of the officials, indicating ongoing cooperation with Taipei on a forthcoming arms package, pending local budget approval.

Read more: Trump claims China may invade Taiwan soon

While Taiwan's defense ministry declined to comment on specific future weapons transfers, it reiterated Defense Minister Wellington Koo's recent call for the "solidarity and cooperation of democratic allies" in deterring Chinese aggression.

Beijing Rebuke

China responded swiftly to the developments. On Friday, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian reiterated Beijing's strong opposition to US arms sales to Taiwan, warning Washington against introducing "new factors" that could further destabilize the Taiwan Strait.

Despite the absence of formal diplomatic relations between Washington and Taipei, the US continues to interfere in China's internal affairs under the pretext of security cooperation.

The planned increase in weapons further exposes Washington's destabilizing role in the Asia-Pacific and its continued use of Taiwan as a pawn in its geopolitical rivalry with China.

  • Taiwan
  • One China policy
  • Taiwan strait
  • China
  • One China Principle

Most Read

From previous scenes of the Qassam Brigades targeting an Israeli D9 bulldozer with a Yassin 105 shell, east of Deir al-Balah. (Military Media of the Qassam Brigades)

US knew fatal Rafah blast cause was not Hamas op., says journalist

  • Politics
  • 20 Oct 2025
'Israel’s Digital Iron Dome: Weaponizing the web against Palestine

'Israel’s Digital Iron Dome: Weaponizing the web against Palestine

  • Technology
  • 24 Oct 2025
Abu Hamza, the spokesperson for the Al-Quds Brigades, during a speech televised on October 22, 2025 (Al-Quds Brigades Military Media)

Al-Quds Brigades' Abu Hamza mourns leaders, vows continued resistance

  • Politics
  • 22 Oct 2025
US missionary kidnapped in Niger capital, suspected taken toward Mali

US missionary kidnapped in Niger capital, suspected taken toward Mali

  • Africa
  • 23 Oct 2025

Coverage

All
War on Gaza

Read Next

All
The Mann beach lighthouse stands next to Naufragio Bay in San Cristobal, Galapagos Islands, Ecuador, May 2, 2020. (AP)
Politics

Ecuador's Noboa considering hosting foreign military bases

Inside Rubio's push for government change in Venezuela: DropSite
Politics

Inside Rubio's push for government change in Venezuela: Drop Site

Maduro rejects US accusations, highlights ties with Colombia
Politics

Maduro rejects US accusations, highlights ties with Colombia

Pentagon accepts $130M anonymous donation during shutdown
Politics

Pentagon accepts $130 mln anonymous donation during shutdown

Al Mayadeen English

Al Mayadeen is an Arab Independent Media Satellite Channel.

All Rights Reserved

  • x
  • Privacy Policy
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Authors
Android
iOS