Why Has Trump Stopped Selling Weapons to Taiwan?
The Trump administration has paused weapons sales to Taiwan to prioritize military resources for conflicts in the Middle East. This shift in policy reflects a desire to avoid escalating tensions with China while focusing on smaller regional conflicts. Taiwan is currently awaiting approval for a significant weapons deal that has yet to be finalized.
- ▪The U.S. is pausing weapons sales to Taiwan to ensure munitions are available for operations in the Middle East.
- ▪Trump views weapons sales to Taiwan as a negotiating tool with China.
- ▪Taiwan is awaiting approval for a $14 billion weapons deal that Congress approved last year.
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Foreign Policy Why Has Trump Stopped Selling Weapons to Taiwan? The administration is avoiding conflict with China to focus on war in the Middle East. Taiwan’s democracy hangs in the balance. Matthew Petti | 5.26.2026 4:28 PM Share on FacebookShare on XShare on RedditShare by emailPrint friendly versionCopy page URL Add Reason to Google Media Contact & Reprint Requests <img src="https://d2eehagpk5cl65.cloudfront.net/img/c800x450-w800-q80/uploads/2026/05/upiphotosthree144468-800x450.jpg" style="max-width: 100%; height: auto" width="1200" height="675" title="U.S. President Donald Trump greets Chinese Vice President Han Zheng at Beijing International Airport on May 13, 2026." alt="U.S.
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