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

UPDATES WITH STATEMENT FROM TAIWAN, CHANGES DECK

By Asiye Latife Yilmaz/ Islamuddin Sajid

ISTANBUL ISLAMABAD (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.

- Taiwan to 'strengthen' self-defense capabilities

Responding to the report, Taiwan said it aims to "strengthen" self-defense capabilities and cooperate with Washington.

The Taiwanese leader’s office said that Taipei and Washington have been cooperating closely on various security issues, including national defense, and this cooperation is ongoing.

"Taiwan is grateful for the United States' long-term support for Taiwan in strengthening its national defense capabilities," Guo Ya-hui, spokesperson for the office, said in a statement.

Guo added that Taiwan and the US will continue to deepen their partnership in various fields and provide a stable force for global prosperity and development.

"Taiwan is determined and confident to continue to strengthen its self-defense capabilities, cooperate with the United States and other friendly allies to jointly deter aggression and strive to ensure regional peace, stability and prosperity," it said.