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US Navy Halts Taiwan Arms Sales Amid Iran Operations
US Navy official says Taiwan arm sales on 'pause' over Iran war
Image: Channel Newsasia
The acting US Navy secretary announced a temporary pause on arms sales to Taiwan, valued at approximately $14 billion, to ensure adequate munitions for operations in Iran. This decision raises concerns about the US's commitment to Taiwan amid increasing military pressure from China, which claims Taiwan as its territory.
- 01The arms sales pause is specifically to secure munitions for US operations in Iran, referred to as 'Epic Fury'.
- 02The paused arms deal is worth approximately $14 billion, which has raised concerns regarding US support for Taiwan.
- 03US President Donald Trump has not made a definitive commitment to proceed with the arms sale to Taiwan.
- 04Trump indicated he would discuss arms sales with Chinese President Xi Jinping, marking a shift from previous US policy.
- 05The US is legally obligated to supply weapons to Taiwan for its defense, despite recognizing only Beijing diplomatically.
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During a congressional hearing on May 21, 2023, acting US Navy Secretary Hung Cao stated that arms sales to Taiwan have been temporarily paused. This decision, which affects a significant $14 billion arms package, aims to ensure that the US military has sufficient munitions for its operations in Iran, specifically under the operation named 'Epic Fury'. The pause has raised concerns regarding the US's commitment to support Taiwan, especially as President Donald Trump has not firmly committed to the sale. Trump's recent comments indicated a willingness to discuss the arms sales with Chinese President Xi Jinping, diverging from the US's prior stance of not consulting Beijing on Taiwan-related matters. While the US officially recognizes only Beijing, it is mandated by law to provide defensive weapons to Taiwan, a self-ruled democracy that China claims as its territory. In recent years, China has intensified its military pressure on Taiwan, raising fears of potential conflict.
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This pause in arms sales could affect Taiwan's defense capabilities amid rising military pressure from China.
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