Washington has reopened discussions on a multibillion-dollar arms sale to Taiwan, potentially complicating an upcoming summit between US and Chinese leaders. Senior Republican lawmaker Michael McCaul announced on Tuesday, August 5th, 2026, that US President Donald Trump is expected to soon submit a $14 billion Taiwan arms package to the US Congress.

“I am confident the president will forward soon another package to Congress with an additional US$14 billion in critical military defence articles,” McCaul said during his third visit to Taiwan, where he received an award from Taiwan's leader William Lai Ching-te.

Observers express doubts that the deal will be finalized before Chinese President Xi Jinping's visit to the US, warning that Taiwan remains a strict red line that could derail bilateral talks. The package is still under review by the Trump administration and was previously described by President Trump as “a very good negotiating chip” with Beijing during his May state visit to China.

In May, acting US Secretary of the Navy Hung Cao stated the $14 billion arms sale to Taiwan was paused to ensure sufficient weapons for American forces engaged in the Iran conflict. McCaul emphasized that US policy does not permit diplomatic relations with Beijing to delay arms sales to Taiwan.

The proposed amount would exceed a historic Taiwan arms package approved late last year, which prompted strong condemnation from Beijing and led to a two-day military exercise near Taiwan shortly thereafter. Some observers caution that President Trump may be miscalculating if he attempts to use the $14 billion package to increase pressure on Beijing.

Sources