US 'pauses' arms sales to Taiwan over Middle East war
The US has paused arms sales to Taiwan to ensure adequate munitions for military operations in the Middle East. Acting US Navy Secretary Hung Cao indicated that the $14 billion weapons purchase for Taiwan is on hold until the military's needs are met. This decision raises concerns about the US's commitment to supporting Taiwan amid increasing military pressure from China.
- ▪The US Navy has paused arms sales to Taiwan to prioritize munitions for operations in the Middle East.
- ▪Acting Secretary Hung Cao stated that the pause will last until the military's needs are adequately addressed.
- ▪US President Trump has not made firm commitments regarding the arms sales to Taiwan, raising concerns about US support for the island.
5 outlets in our directory ran this story, first to last over 28 hours. Coverage spans 2 points on the political spectrum — 2 lean left, 2 centre.
- ▪ U.S. arms sales to Taiwan unrelated to Iran war, source says — The Hindu — Top
- ▪ War in the Middle East: US-Iran talks make headway — France 24 (EN)
- ▪ U.S. arms sales to Taiwan unrelated to Iran war, source says — Japan Times
- ▪ US arms sales to Taiwan unrelated to Iran war, source says — Investing.com — News
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| Original publisher | Le Monde (EN) |
| Canonical URL | https://www.lemonde.fr/en/middle-east-crisis/article/2026/05/22/us-pauses-arms-sales-to-taiwan-over-middle-east-war_6753718_368.html |
| Publication time | Fri, 22 May 2026 11:04:05 +0200 |
| Retrieval time | 2026-05-22T09:22:01.175Z |
| Last seen | 2026-05-22T09:22:01.175Z |
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Opening excerpt (first ~120 words) tap to expand
Soldiers sit on an M60A3 tank for a group photograph, in Taichung, Taiwan January 17, 2019. TYRONE SIU / REUTERS The acting US Navy secretary said on Thursday, May 21, that arms sales to Taiwan had been put on "pause" to ensure that the American military had sufficient munitions for its Iran operations. Asked at a congressional hearing about the stalled $14 billion weapons purchase by Taiwan, acting secretary Hung Cao said that "right now we're doing a pause in order to make sure we have the munitions we need for Epic Fury – which we have plenty. But, we're just making sure we have everything, then the foreign military sales will continue when the administration deems necessary." The US State Department and the Pentagon did not immediately respond to requests for comment on Cao's remarks.
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