China Vehemently Protests US's $11.1 Billion Arms Sale to Taiwan, Vows 'Forceful Measures'

US Approves Major Arms Package for Taiwan

The United States announced on Wednesday, December 17, 2025, the approval of a substantial arms sale to Taiwan, valued at over $11.1 billion. This package, described as the largest ever U.S. weapons deal for the island, was unveiled by the Trump administration. The Pentagon stated that these sales are intended to bolster Taiwan's ongoing efforts to modernize its armed forces and maintain a 'credible defensive capability,' aligning with U.S. national, economic, and security interests.

The comprehensive weapons package includes a variety of advanced military equipment. Among the key components are 82 High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS) and 420 Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS), collectively valued at over $4 billion. Additionally, the sale comprises 60 M109A7 self-propelled howitzer systems and associated equipment, also exceeding $4 billion. The deal further includes drones, military software, Javelin and TOW missiles, helicopter spare parts, and refurbishment kits for Harpoon missiles.

China's Strong Condemnation and Warning

In response, China's Ministry of National Defense and Foreign Ministry issued strong condemnations on Friday, December 19, 2025. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun and Defense Ministry spokesperson Jiang Bin articulated Beijing's 'strong dissatisfaction and firm opposition' to the arms deal.

China views the sale as a 'serious violation of the one-China principle and the three China-U.S. joint communiques,' asserting that it 'gravely harms China's sovereignty and security interests' and 'severely undermines China-US strategic mutual trust.' Beijing also warned that the move sends a 'seriously wrong signal' to 'Taiwan independence' secessionist forces.

The Chinese government vowed to take 'forceful measures' to safeguard national sovereignty and territorial integrity, with the People's Liberation Army (PLA) committing to 'strengthen combat readiness' and 'resolutely thwart 'Taiwan independence' separatist activities and external interference.' Spokesperson Guo Jiakun further cautioned that arming Taiwan risks turning the island into a 'powder keg' and could drive the region toward 'military confrontation and war.'

Taiwan's Gratitude and Defense Strategy

Taiwan's government expressed gratitude for the U.S. arms package, stating that it would enhance the island's self-defense capabilities and contribute to maintaining peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait. Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te had previously announced a $40 billion supplementary defense budget, to be allocated from 2026 to 2033, aimed at strengthening the island's defenses.

The U.S. maintains unofficial relations with Taiwan and is its primary arms supplier, a policy rooted in the Taiwan Relations Act of 1979, which mandates the U.S. to ensure Taiwan's self-defense capabilities. This latest arms sale underscores the complex and often contentious dynamics of U.S.-China-Taiwan relations, with Beijing consistently reiterating its claim over Taiwan as an integral part of its territory.