Donald Trump's reported pause on $400m in weapons aid to Taiwan has fuelled concerns he is using US support for the island as a bargaining chip in trade negotiations with China. The Washington Post reported on Friday that the pause included orders for lethal munitions and autonomous drones, though it could still be reversed.
The move comes amid US efforts to secure a trade deal with China after a prolonged trade war, and hours before Trump spoke with Chinese leader Xi Jinping on Friday. Trump described the call as 'productive' on issues including trade, fentanyl, and TikTok. They agreed to meet in Korea in October, with a Trump visit to China next year. However, analysts noted that neither side's readout mentioned Taiwan, Beijing's most sensitive foreign policy issue.
Taiwan's government declined to confirm the report, stating that the US 'has long supported Taiwan in strengthening its defence capabilities'. President Lai Ching-te emphasised on Saturday the need for continued preparedness to avoid war. Under Trump's first term, weapons sales to Taiwan exceeded $10bn for the first time since the 1990s, but his second term has seen a cooling, with Trump questioning US support and favouring sales over aid.
William Yang of the Crisis Group suggested the pause may be a tactical move to prioritise a deal with Beijing, but warned China could exploit the gap. Craig Singleton of the Foundation for the Defense of Democracies said the outcomes of the Xi-Trump call favoured China, while Amanda Hsiao of Eurasia Group predicted arms sales and support would likely resume after Trump's visit to China.
