Trump withholds over $400M military aid to Taiwan to facilitate US-China negotiations: Report

By Asiye Latife Yilmaz

ISTANBUL (AA) - US President Donald Trump withheld over $400 million in military aid to Taiwan this summer to advance trade negotiations and a potential summit with China’s President Xi Jinping, according to a Washington Post report on Friday.

The aid package for Taiwan included more advanced and lethal equipment than previous rounds, featuring munitions and autonomous drones.

A White House official said the decision on the aid package has not yet been finalized, according to the report.

Despite the pause in aid, discussions on future arms sales continue between US and Taiwanese officials, with a focus on advanced asymmetric weapons such as drones and missiles.

Taiwan plans to increase its defense spending to 5% of its GDP by 2030 to bolster its military capabilities amid regional security challenges.

Since taking office, Trump has sent mixed signals on China and Taiwan, imposing a trade war, accusing Taipei of technology theft, canceling defense talks, and discouraging visits, while insisting China will not invade Taiwan during his term.

On Friday, the US president and his Chinese counterpart will hold a phone call and they are expected to discuss tariffs, bilateral ties, finalize a deal on US operations of TikTok, and set the stage for a possible summit.