On December 18, 2025, the Ministry of National Defense of the Republic of China (Taiwan) stated that the United States government notified the Congress on the sale of weapons to Taiwan, including M109A7 self-propelled howitzers and other items totaling $11.154 billion. The Ministry expressed sincere thanks for the decision by the U.S. to proceed with this arms sale, marking the second batch of arms sales announced by the Trump administration during its second term.
The Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) of the United States issued a press release on the 17th, stating that the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in the United States has requested to purchase various tactical equipment, including the Tactical Mission Network, AH-1W helicopters, M109A7 self-propelled howitzers, Harpoon long-range precision strike systems, trailer-mounted missiles, Spear missiles, maintenance parts for Harpoon missiles, Altius-600M, and Altius 700M unmanned aerial systems, with a total amount of $11.154 billion.
According to the DSCA, these proposed arms sales comply with U.S. laws and policies and will enhance Taiwan’s self-defense capabilities against current and future threats.
In a press release issued this morning, the Ministry of National Defense of Taiwan noted that the U.S. government has proceeded with the “notification to Congress” procedure regarding the arms sales of weapons and equipment to Taiwan, including M109A7 self-propelled howitzers and other items totaling $11.154 billion. The arms sales are expected to formally take effect one month after the notification to Congress.
The Ministry highlighted that the weapons and equipment approved by the U.S., including the M109A7 self-propelled howitzers, Harpoon long-range precision strike systems, trailer-mounted missiles, anti-armor drone missile systems, and replenishment of Spear anti-armor missiles, are part of the “Special Budget for Strengthening Defense Resilience and Asymmetric Warfare Capabilities.” The Ministry will proceed with the arms procurement process upon approval of the special budget by the Legislative Yuan.
Emphasizing the U.S.’s commitment to assisting Taiwan in maintaining sufficient self-defense capabilities based on the Taiwan Relations Act and the Six Assurances, the Ministry expressed sincere appreciation for the U.S.’s decision.
Presidential spokesperson Guo Yahui stated that the Taiwan government sincerely appreciates the U.S. government’s notification to Congress on December 17 regarding the arms sales to Taiwan, totaling approximately $11 billion. The announcement once again demonstrates the consistent support from the U.S. government in accordance with the Taiwan Relations Act and the Six Assurances.
Guo Yahui explained that the arms sales represent the second announcement during the Trump administration’s current term, showcasing the close partnership between Taiwan and the U.S. and the high regard the U.S. government places on Taiwan’s defense needs. Given the increasingly severe challenges to regional security, Taiwan’s defense budget for the next year is expected to surpass 3% of GDP following NATO standards, with a goal to reach 5% by 2030.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of China announced that it has received the official notification from the U.S. government, with the executive branch notifying Congress on the arms sales totaling $11.154 billion for items such as the Tactical Mission Network and other equipment.
This second batch of arms sales announced during the Trump administration’s second term further underscores the U.S.’s commitment to Taiwan’s security under the Taiwan Relations Act and Six Assurances, as well as the normalization of arms sales to assist Taiwan in maintaining self-defense capabilities and deterrence.
Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Jialong welcomed the decision, expressing gratitude for the long-standing support from the U.S. in regional security and Taiwan’s self-defense capabilities. He noted the U.S.’s concrete actions in implementing its new National Security Strategy, emphasizing Taiwan’s strategic position and the importance of enhancing military preparedness to deter conflict in the Taiwan Strait.
In the face of frequent military activities and provocations from mainland China in the region, Taiwan remains steadfast in upholding peace and freedom, continuously strengthening its national defense and demonstrating unwavering determination in self-defense. Taiwan will deepen cooperation with the U.S. and other security partners to enhance defense capabilities and resilience, and welcomes the international community to join efforts in promoting peace, stability, and prosperity in the Taiwan Strait and the region.