WASHINGTON — Acting US Navy Secretary Hung Cao said Thursday that the United States had paused arms sales to Taiwan to ensure the US military has enough munitions for operations related to “Epic Fury.”
Speaking during a congressional hearing, Cao said the pause affected a stalled $14 billion weapons purchase by Taiwan.
“Right now, we’re doing a pause in order to make sure we have the munitions we need for Epic Fury,” Cao said. “But, we’re just making sure we have everything, then the foreign military sales will continue when the administration deems necessary.”
The US State Department and the Pentagon did not immediately comment on Cao’s remarks.
Taiwan Presidential Office spokesperson Karen Kuo said Friday there was no information indicating that the United States planned to change the arms sale arrangement.
US President Donald Trump has not confirmed whether his administration will proceed with the sale, raising concerns about Washington’s support for Taiwan.
Before his recent visit to China, Trump said he would discuss the arms sale issue with Chinese President Xi Jinping.
After the trip, Trump said he had made no commitments to Xi regarding Taiwan and would decide on the arms sale “over the next fairly short period of time.”
The United States officially recognizes Beijing but is required under US law to provide Taiwan with weapons for its defense.
China claims Taiwan as part of its territory and has increased military pressure on the island in recent years while refusing to rule out the use of force.
