Washington reassures Taiwan: arms sales imminent despite tensions with Beijing

A bipartisan group of US senators assured Taiwan that ongoing arms sales should be approved in the coming weeks, amid growing concerns about the US military commitment to the island in the face of Chinese pressure.

In a letter to Taiwanese officials, these elected representatives affirmed that Congress remained fully committed to ensuring the rapid delivery of defense capabilities deemed essential. Among the equipment in question is a new program including anti-drone systems, which have become strategic in modern conflicts.

This stance comes just weeks before a trip by the American president. Donald Trump in China, scheduled for May 14 and 15. Washington's efforts to conclude a trade agreement with Beijing are fueling concerns, both in the United States and in Taiwan, about a possible weakening of American military support for the democratically governed island.

Senator Jeanne Shaheen, an influential Democrat on the Foreign Affairs Committee, emphasized in this correspondence that the ongoing sales should be formalized quickly. She also stressed the need for Taiwan to strengthen its defense capabilities without delay, in the face of increasing pressure from China.

The senators also urged Taipei to accelerate its military spending, particularly by expanding both its purchases of American equipment and its domestic production capacity. This strategy aims to improve the island's resilience in the event of a crisis, while reducing its dependence on foreign supply delays.

While geopolitical tensions remain high in the region, this message from the US Congress seeks to reaffirm strategic support for Taiwan, while encouraging the island to play a more active role in its own defense.