TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Taiwan is not currently engaged in new arms sale discussions, the Presidential Office clarified on Monday (Nov. 11) in response to media reports suggesting the country may pursue a significant weapons purchase from the US.
“While Taiwan and the US have maintained ongoing discussions and assessments regarding military needs, there are currently no new stages of discussions underway,” Presidential Office Spokesperson Karen Kuo (郭雅慧) said in a statement
Kuo noted that amid rising Chinese military threats in the Taiwan Strait and Indo-Pacific region, Taiwan and neighboring countries are continuing to bolster their defense and deterrence capabilities.
The Financial Times recently reported that Taiwan might be considering a large-scale weapons purchase, including Aegis destroyers, E-2D Advanced Hawkeyes, Patriot missiles, and F-35 fighter jets. According to a former Trump administration official, Taiwan may be exploring these options to “show that they are serious.”
The Ministry of National Defense (MND) emphasized that Taiwan acquires necessary defense equipment through multiple channels—arms sales, commercial purchases, and domestic production—to enhance national defense capabilities. The MND stated that Taiwan’s force development targets are based on operational needs and budget considerations, adding that it remains open to partnerships that strengthen its defensive capabilities.
In October, the US State Department approved the possible sale of three National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile Systems and 123 Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missiles-Extended Range to Taiwan, valued at approximately US$1.16 billion (NT$37.55 billion).