Trump Is Treating Taiwan Like Collateral
The United States has paused a $14 billion arms deal with Taiwan, raising concerns about U.S. support for the island. President Trump referred to the package as a 'negotiating chip' during discussions with China, suggesting a shift in U.S. policy. This situation may undermine Taiwan's confidence in U.S. backing and embolden hard-liners in Beijing.
- ▪The U.S. has halted a significant arms package to Taiwan amid changing diplomatic dynamics with China.
- ▪Trump's comments indicate a willingness to use Taiwan's security as leverage in negotiations with Beijing.
- ▪Delays in arms sales to Taiwan are common, but this pause raises alarms about U.S. commitment to Taiwan's defense.
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China Brief A weekly digest of the stories you should be following in China, plus exclusive analysis. Delivered Tuesday. Trump Is Treating Taiwan Like Collateral The pause of a $14 billion arms package raises concerns about U.S. support for Taipei. Palmer-James-foreign-policy-columnist20 James Palmer By James Palmer, a deputy editor at Foreign Policy. Protesters shout “Want peace, support arms purchases” during a rally in Taipei. Protesters shout “Want peace, support arms purchases” during a rally in Taipei on May 23. I-Hwa Cheng / AFP via Getty Images U.S. Foreign Policy United States China Taiwan James Palmer May 26, 2026, 5:50 PM Welcome to Foreign Policy’s China Brief.
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