Why it matters:
The sale underscores America’s increasingly assertive posture in East Asia. While framed as bolstering Taiwan’s defense, critics say it reflects Washington’s broader adventurist strategy in the Indo-Pacific, aimed at countering China’s rise. Beijing has condemned the arms deals, and even close U.S. allies have expressed caution about endorsing such escalations.
The key points:
The National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System (NASAMS), made by RTX, has been battle-tested in Ukraine and will now be deployed in Taiwan.
The Pentagon awarded a fixed-price contract, with delivery expected by 2031.
U.S. envoy Raymond Greene emphasized America’s “rock-solid” commitment to Taiwan, highlighting growing defense-industrial cooperation.
Last week, Washington approved $330 million in fighter jets and aircraft parts for Taiwan, sparking anger in Beijing.
Between the lines:
China considers Taiwan an integral part of its territory and has increased its defensive activities around the island, including conducting routine military drills and patrols in the East China Sea, an area of longstanding territorial disputes.
Taiwan’s defense minister urged Beijing to “abandon its thinking of using force,” while Taipei accelerates its own military buildup, including submarine construction.
While U.S. officials publicly cite drug cartels or illegal immigration in other regions as justifications for military action, in East Asia, the underlying motive is strategic competition with China.
The big picture:
Washington’s arms sales to Taiwan are part of a wider pattern of military adventurism in East Asia, raising sovereignty concerns across the region.
China views these moves as direct interference, while Japan and other neighbors are drawn into escalating tensions.
Despite the absence of formal diplomatic ties, U.S. law mandates support for Taiwan’s defense— a commitment that continues to heighten tensions with Beijing.
Go deeper:
China Warns U.S. to “Stop Playing With Fire” Over Taiwan
Hossein Amiri - ahmad shirzadian
