US Halts $ 14Billion Taiwan Arms Deal Amid Iran Conflict
The United States has halted a planned $14 billion arms deal with Taiwan due to worries about munitions needs associated with the ongoing situation in Iran, as reported by The Hill.
During a Senate Appropriations Defense Subcommittee hearing on Thursday, Acting Navy Secretary Hung Cao stated that the halt was intended to ensure the US military had sufficient stockpiles for "Operation Epic Fury".
"Cao informed Senator Mitch McConnell, as reported by The Hill, that we are currently pausing to ensure we possess the necessary munitions for Epic Fury -- of which we have more than enough." "We're ensuring all is in order, and then the foreign military sales will proceed as the administration sees fit."
When McConnell inquired if the sale would ultimately proceed, Cao responded that the choice would be up to War Secretary Pete Hegseth and Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
Cao's statements seemed to contrast with earlier remarks by US President Donald Trump, who indicated the arms sale might serve as a 'bargaining chip' in discussions with China.
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"I still haven't given my approval. We’re going to find out what occurs," Trump informed Fox News, as reported by The Hill. "I might do it; I might not do it."
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Following a recent trip to China, Trump remarked that the issue had been talked about "in great detail" with Chinese President Xi Jinping and stated he would "come to a decision in the next relatively short timeframe".
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The report highlighted that the United States has historically adhered to the "Six Assurances," a series of policy guidelines established during former President Ronald Reagan's administration in 1982, one stating that Washington would not inform Beijing about arms sales to Taiwan.