Experts have cast doubt on suggestions that the Trump administration's pause in a $14bn arms sale to Taiwan is linked to the war in Iran. Acting US Navy Secretary Hung Cao told a congressional hearing that the pause was to ensure munitions were available for 'Operation Epic Fury', the conflict with Iran. However, analysts say the justification 'makes no sense' given the long timeline for such sales.
Rupert Hammond-Chambers, president of the US-Taiwan Business Council, said there is a 'very low likelihood' of a true connection, as the weapons packages under consideration would not be delivered for three to six years. 'If he sends those congressional notifications by the end of June, you’re talking about another six to 12 months before the contract is signed, and then the clock starts on delivery,' he added.
An unnamed US official told Reuters that the military has 'more than enough munitions' and that the pause was 'unrelated to the war with Iran'. The comments follow President Donald Trump's suggestion that arms sales to Taiwan could be used as a 'negotiating chip' with Beijing, a departure from longstanding US policy.
Peter Mattis, president of the Jamestown Foundation, said Cao's remarks were inaccurate, noting that arms packages already notified to Congress could not be affected by the Iran conflict. 'Whatever has been said is somebody misspeaking,' he said. Taiwan's ruling Democratic Progressive Party lawmaker Ngalim Tiunn said communication channels with the US remain open.
