U.S. President Donald Trump has reportedly declined to approve a military aid package for Taiwan worth over US$400 million. The decision comes at a time when Washington is pursuing sensitive trade negotiations and Trump is seeking a possible summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping.
The proposed aid package included advanced munitions and autonomous drones. It was designed to be delivered under the Presidential Drawdown Authority, which allows the executive branch to transfer weapons without waiting for congressional appropriations. Officials viewed it as a more lethal and significant package compared to earlier assistance.
Trump’s refusal marks a clear departure from previous U.S. administrations. The Biden administration, for instance, approved more than US$2 billion in direct military support for Taiwan. Trump’s approach, however, has been described as more transactional. Under his policy, Taiwan is expected to purchase its own defense equipment rather than rely on large, free assistance programs.
Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has refrained from making detailed comments on the decision but emphasized that cooperation with the United States in defense and security continues. According to Taipei, the shift indicates a desire for self-sustaining defense capabilities, while also allowing for some international support to back it up.
China, which claims Taiwan as part of its territory, has continually voiced opposition to any U.S support of arms to the island. Beijing sees U.S. arms support as a violation of the One China principle. While tensions are already high across the Taiwan Strait, Trump’s decision will likely add another layer of uncertainty to regional security.
