In a briefing to reporters at Taiwan’s parliament, Defence Minister Wellington Koo said the United States has repeatedly confirmed that its policy toward Taiwan remains steady after the recent Washington summit between President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping. Koo emphasized that Taiwan is in “continuous talks” with the United States about a series of arms sales that have yet to be finalized.
U.S. policy unchanged, Trump offers reassurance
President Trump, who met President Xi in Washington last week, told the press that the Chinese leader understands his position on Taiwan. While Trump has kept a new $14 billion weapons package in abeyance, he reiterated that the United States continues to honor its commitments under the 1979 Taiwan Relations Act, which obligates Washington to provide the island with the means to defend itself.
Pending deliveries and existing backlogs
Koo noted that Taiwan still has a backlog of previously ordered weapons awaiting delivery. The most prominent delay involves a 2019 order for 66 Lockheed Martin F‑16V fighters, aircraft equipped with upgraded avionics, weapons and radar systems designed to counter the Chinese air force’s modern platforms, including the stealthy J‑20.
According to Taiwanese media, the first two F‑16Vs are currently stationed in Hawaii awaiting their delivery flight. Koo declined to give a specific delivery schedule, but said production has reached a stage where delivery is possible and that “compensation measures” are being discussed to address the delay.
Continuous coordination with Washington
“Regarding the ongoing military sales cases, we are also in continuous discussions with the US side. Each case requires concrete cooperation. To my knowledge, we have not received any notifications of changes so far,” Koo told the press. He added that Taiwan will continue to coordinate with the United States on the deliveries and that the government remains confident the island’s defence needs will be met.
Broader strategic context
China has repeatedly called for an end to all arms sales to Taiwan, viewing them as interference in its internal affairs. The United States, however, continues to view Taiwan as a critical partner in the Indo‑Pacific region and the most important international backer of the island’s security, despite the absence of formal diplomatic ties.
Washington’s reaffirmation of its policy comes at a time when regional tensions remain high and both sides are closely watching each other’s military capabilities. The continued dialogue over arms sales underscores the United States’ commitment to a stable balance of power in the Taiwan Strait.
Looking ahead
While specific timelines for the remaining F‑16V deliveries and other pending packages have not been disclosed, Koo’s comments suggest that the United States is prepared to move forward once logistical and production issues are resolved. The defence minister’s remarks also signal that Taiwan will keep pressing Washington for the equipment it deems essential for its defence posture.
Lockheed Martin did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
