On December 19, 2025, the US government notified Congress about a $11.54 billion arms sale to Taiwan, including 8 items such as the M109A7 self-propelled howitzer, sparking strong reactions from China. Taiwanese lawmaker Chen Guanting emphasized that China has no right to interfere in Taiwan-US security cooperation.
The Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) of the United States officially announced a total of eight items worth over $11.54 billion (approximately NT$350 billion) in arms sales to Taiwan. Representative Chen Guanting praised this move, seeing it as a practical response to Taiwan’s defense needs, helping to strengthen Taiwan’s overall defense resilience in the face of current and future threats.
Chen Guanting highlighted that the arms sales include key equipment like the M109A7 self-propelled howitzer, the High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) for precise long-range strikes, towed missiles, Javelin anti-tank missiles, and anti-armor unmanned aerial vehicle missile systems, all aimed at enhancing Taiwan’s asymmetric warfare capabilities and deterrence abilities which are crucial in the current challenging security environment.
He specifically emphasized the strategic value of the HIMARS system based on its performance in the Ukrainian battlefield. Ukraine successfully countered aggressors with superior forces and firepower through its high mobility and long-range precision strike capabilities, demonstrating that in modern warfare, precise, distributed, and rapid deterrence is more effective than traditional mass concentrations for deterrence purposes.
Chen Guanting stated that the deployment of HIMARS will significantly enhance Taiwan’s defense depth and deterrence credibility, ensuring that any attempts to change the status quo through force will come at a disproportionate cost.
On the 18th, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun condemned the US for openly announcing a massive arms sale to Taiwan, accusing the US of violating the One-China principle and the three Sino-US Joint Communiqués. China strongly opposes and condemns this move.
In response to China’s accusations and threatening remarks, Chen Guanting sternly pointed out, “How Taiwan constructs its defense capabilities is our own choice under a democratic system. What truly undermines peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait is China’s continuous military intimidation, grey-zone coercion, and actions that unilaterally escalate conflict risks.”
Chen Guanting stressed that Taiwan has never sought conflict but will never compromise on self-defense under threats. Faced with rapidly changing regional security dynamics, Taiwan chooses to responsibly strengthen its defense capabilities, and the US choosing to provide assistance to Taiwan is a responsible action for regional peace.
He emphasized that peace is not achieved through intimidation but through clear deterrence and strong defense. Taiwan will continue to cooperate with like-minded countries based on principles of institutions, transparency, and democratic oversight, steadily advancing defense reforms to ensure that the way of life of freedom and democracy is not disrupted by external forces.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of China (Taiwan) stated that this is the second batch of arms sales announced during the second term of the Trump administration, once again demonstrating the US commitment to Taiwan’s security in accordance with the Taiwan Relations Act and the Six Assurances. This policy aims to assist Taiwan in maintaining sufficient self-defense capabilities and establishing robust deterrent capabilities on a regular basis.