Taiwan’s Congress’ decision to block a bill to increase the military budget by more than 34 billion euros by 2033 increased internal debate on the island over its ability to bolster its defenses amid rising regional tensions. As explained by the US Defense and Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA), the US government has ratified the approval of an arms sale to Taiwan worth more than 9.3 billion euros, thereby providing concrete support that offsets these legal and budgetary constraints in Taipei.
According to the information published by the DSCA, the approved package includes the transfer of sixty self-propelled howitzers and complementary materials worth 3,430 million euros. In addition, the delivery of 82 M142 HIMARS high mobility artillery rocket systems is planned, worth approximately 3,447 million euros. In addition, there is the provision of software, equipment and services related to tactical mission networks, each worth around 860 million euros. As the DSCA reported in several statements collected by international media, this operation also includes technical assistance and support to strengthen Taiwan’s defense capability.
Washington’s announcement coincides with an increase in Chinese army maneuvers and patrols near Taiwan. According to various media outlets citing both official Chinese and Taiwanese sources, Beijing has intensified its military exercises in the strait, increasing pressure at both the military and diplomatic levels, while the island’s political status remains disputed. These movements seek to strengthen China’s presence and act as a tool of deterrence while the US government seeks to maintain a posture of strategic support for Taipei.
The DSCA stated that the operation aims to maintain political and military stability in East Asia. The agency argued that the sale “will help maintain political stability, military balance and economic progress in the region” and strengthen Taiwan’s ability to “manage current and future threats by strengthening the self-defense of its armed forces.” According to DSCA, these actions are part of a broader U.S. effort to maintain strategic balance and trade flow in the Indo-Pacific region, consistent with Washington’s security commitments to partners and allies.
According to media reports, Japan also expressed concern about the development of the situation. The Japanese government is analyzing the possible scenario of military involvement in the event of an invasion of Taiwan and assessing the impact of its regional role. This positioning adds an additional element to the geopolitical complexity in East Asia and reinforces the relevance of defense cooperation between the United States, Taiwan and other allies in the region.
In addition to artillery systems and HIMARS, the approved package also includes investments in software modernization and tactical networks, which, according to DSCA, will enable faster circulation of information and better coordination in crisis or conflict situations. These systems are tailored to the needs of the Taiwan Armed Forces to address adverse scenarios and respond to situations with high military needs. The agreement makes clear the defensive nature of these deliveries and emphasizes that they are not aimed at giving the island offensive capabilities, but rather at strengthening resistance in the event of hostilities.
The government of Taiwan recently announced that it would provide an additional $40 billion (more than €34 billion) for military strengthening between 2026 and 2033. However, according to media sources consulted by the DSCA, this plan ran into obstacles when it was stopped by the parliamentary opposition. In this context, the sale approved by Washington provides alternative support to bridge the gap between the island’s strategic defense planning and the budget constraints imposed by the legislative debate.
According to the DSCA, the delivery of HIMARS will result in a significant improvement in both the mobility and range of its artillery in Taipei. In addition, the integration of new technological solutions through advanced software and tactical communications networks increases the Taiwanese armed forces’ ability to respond to immediate threats. The international media emphasized that this type of assistance has become the core of the United States’ military sales policy abroad to ensure that its partners have the necessary means to maintain stability in sensitive areas.
The recent cycle of military maneuvers in the region, complemented by statements from American and Japanese officials, reflects the environment of constant surveillance and competition between powers. Both Beijing, Washington and Tokyo are closely monitoring movements in the region and adapting their strategy as events develop and the reactions of other key players.
The authorized operation between the United States and Taiwan represents an important episode in bilateral relations and underscores Washington’s willingness to maintain a balance of power that limits the escalation of tensions. At the same time, the international response to US military reinforcements in Taipei continues to shape regional politics and security, while the island’s internal legislative and diplomatic context determines its future moves on defense issues.
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