‘Makes no sense’: experts doubt pause in US arms sale to Taiwan is due to Iran war
While approval is due soon for $14bn deal, actual deliveries to Taiwan are years away – making ‘Operation Epic Fury’ in the Gulf an unlikely cause
TL;DR
- Experts doubt the US war in Iran is impacting arms sales to Taiwan, citing the long delivery times (3-6 years) for such packages.
- A US official suggested a pause in arms sales to Taiwan to prioritize munitions for the Iran conflict, a reason analysts call illogical.
- President Trump's comments about using Taiwan arms sales as a bargaining chip with China have raised concerns about US commitment.
- US law mandates supplying Taiwan with defensive materials for self-defense capability.
- Delays in approving the $14 billion arms package could jeopardize Taiwan's security if they extend into autumn.