SouthernWorldwide.com – The United States has temporarily halted weapons sales to Taiwan as a precautionary measure to ensure its own readiness amid rising tensions with Iran. Acting Navy Secretary Hung Cao stated this during his testimony before the Senate Appropriations Defense Subcommittee on Tuesday.
Cao clarified that he has not directly communicated with Taiwanese officials regarding this pause. He explained that the decision was made to secure necessary munitions for an operation codenamed “Epic Fury,” emphasizing that while they have ample supplies, the pause is to ensure all requirements are met.
When questioned by Senator Mitch McConnell about the potential resumption of these sales, Cao indicated that such a decision would rest with the Secretary of War and the Secretary of State. McConnell expressed his dismay at this response, deeming it “distressing.”
Despite the temporary pause, Cao assured that foreign military sales would continue when the administration deems it necessary. This development follows President Donald Trump’s recent state visit to China, during which Chinese President Xi Jinping underscored Taiwan’s significance as a critical issue in U.S.-China relations.
A statement from Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning after the Trump-Xi meeting highlighted Xi’s assertion that the Taiwan question is paramount to bilateral ties. According to Mao, proper handling of this issue ensures overall stability, while mishandling it could lead to clashes and jeopardize the relationship.
Earlier in January, Congress had pre-approved a substantial $14 billion weapons package for Taiwan. However, President Trump had not yet formally notified the package, a crucial step for its approval and delivery. Despite urging from a bipartisan group of lawmakers to expedite this before his China visit, Trump withheld his approval, leaving the deal in a state of uncertainty.
Trump himself had expressed a cautious approach, stating, “I may do it. I may not do it.” He conveyed that the U.S. is not seeking conflict and suggested that maintaining the status quo might be acceptable to China. He also voiced concerns about Taiwan potentially declaring independence with U.S. backing.
Beijing has consistently viewed Taiwan as a “breakaway province” and asserts its sovereignty over the island. Historically, the United States, guided by President Ronald Reagan’s “six assurances” to Taiwan, has been the island’s primary arms supplier, a role many in Washington wish to maintain.
During the subcommittee hearing, Senator John Kennedy emphasized the strategic advantage of arming Taiwan in the ongoing security competition with China. He questioned Admiral Daryl Caudle, the Navy’s Chief of Operations, about the rationale behind not proceeding with the sales.
Kennedy argued that President Xi’s anxieties should be addressed by demonstrating U.S. strength and resolve. He proposed selling weapons to Taiwan, suggesting that President Trump could inform President Xi that this action is not personal but a strategic imperative. He questioned why this straightforward approach would not be taken.
Admiral Caudle affirmed the U.S.’s desire for Taiwan to be as strong as possible. When Kennedy pointed out that these weapons would indeed make Taiwan stronger, Caudle concurred.
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Meanwhile, Taiwan has reported no official notification from the U.S. regarding any adjustments to arms sales. Taiwanese presidential spokesperson Karen Kuo stated on Friday, as reported by The Associated Press, that there is currently no information about any changes the U.S. intends to make to these sales.
