The government of the Republic of China (Taiwan) is considering a large-scale purchase of American weapons to show President Trump that Taiwan is actively strengthening its defense to counter the military threat posed by the Chinese Communist Party.
According to several sources familiar with the matter who spoke to the Financial Times, Taiwan may seek to purchase ships produced by Lockheed Martin and E-2D “Advanced Hawkeye” early warning aircraft produced by Northrop Grumman. Taiwan is also looking to acquire more Patriot missiles and may request F-35 fighter jets.
A former official from the Trump administration stated, “Taiwan is considering putting forth a procurement plan to demonstrate that they are serious.”
“If they persist, once the next U.S. National Security Advisor is appointed, Taiwan will present a very proactive proposal for U.S. equipment procurement,” the official said.
Trump has previously indicated that Taiwan should enhance its self-defense capabilities by paying for defense expenses to the United States rather than “free-riding.” Meanwhile, there may exist competitive relations in the semiconductor industry between Taiwan and the U.S., making Trump’s Taiwan policy after taking office an area of heightened attention.
Rupert Hammond-Chambers, President of the U.S.-Taiwan Business Council (USTBC) that facilitates defense exchanges between Washington and Taipei, informed Reuters last week that Taiwan has been attempting to negotiate a significant arms deal with them.
“This deal may proceed in the first quarter of next year… They will simultaneously go through several major platforms, making substantial purchases of weapons and equipment,” he said.
Elbridge Colby, former Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense in the U.S., who may return to the Pentagon or White House in Trump’s second term, also strongly urged Taiwan to increase its defense spending.
“Those who care about Taiwan should be very clear that they need to significantly strengthen their defense. Their fate is in jeopardy,” he recently wrote on social media platform X.
A senior Taiwan national security official told the Financial Times that Taiwan has engaged in “informal discussions” with the Trump team to explore what kind of arms purchase would demonstrate Taiwan’s commitment to investing in defense.
“This is to include a significant number of major platforms and other items that our forces have long been concerned about but have not been able to acquire,” the official said.
Another Taiwan official stated that the “Aegis” system would be the top choice. Some officials and defense experts believe Taiwan also needs to acquire other more expensive equipment to leave a deeper impression.
Senior official Su Ziyun from Taiwan’s Institute for National Defense and Security Research stated, “If you’re talking about a wish list, then it’s time to request the purchase of F-35 fighter jets.”
Su Ziyun added that Taiwan may seek to purchase retired U.S. Navy Ticonderoga-class cruisers and Perry-class frigates.
Sources suggest that Taiwan may request the purchase of 60 F-35 fighter jets, 4 E-2D “Advanced Hawkeye” early warning aircraft, 10 retired warships, and 400 Patriot missiles. Su Ziyun estimated that the total value of this massive arms deal would exceed $15 billion.
Taiwan officials expressed their belief that concerns about Trump’s second term are exaggerated.
“This official said, “Both political parties in the United States strongly support Taiwan, as can be seen from the continuous passing of pro-Taiwan legislation and resolutions.
“The first Trump administration conducted more frequent, higher-level visits to Taiwan and lifted the arms sales ban imposed on our country,” the Taiwan official said.