The Biden-Harris administration's defense priorities are shifting, with acting Navy Secretary Hung Cao confirming that a critical $14 billion arms package for Taiwan has been paused.
During a Senate hearing on Thursday, Cao stated that the pause is necessary to ensure the U.S. maintains a sufficient stockpile of munitions for 'Epic Fury,' the joint U.S.-Israel military operation against Iran.
While the administration claims the pause is a matter of logistical readiness, the move comes amid heightened scrutiny of President Trump’s recent diplomatic maneuvers in Beijing.
Trump has publicly described the arms package as a 'negotiating chip' in his broader strategy with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, despite the 1982 U.S. assurance that Beijing would not be consulted on arms sales to the island.
The $14 billion package, which includes vital air defense systems like the Lockheed Martin PAC-3, has been languishing for months awaiting final approval.
While Taiwan’s leadership continues to emphasize that these weapons are essential for regional stability against Chinese aggression, the U.S. government remains focused on the immediate requirements of the conflict in Iran.
Secretary Cao noted that sales will resume when the administration deems it necessary, though he admitted he has not consulted with Taiwanese officials regarding the delay.
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