Trump Officials Announce More Than $11 Billion in Arms Sales for Taiwan

[东风夜放花千树]

Old established powers keep themselves floating cause they are buoyed by their image.....rising powers always come up with out of the box solutions to kick their butts .... it's like law of nature.

My friend, your understanding is correct.

The United States and Western countries have imposed a technology blockade on China, halted space cooperation, banned chip sales, and imposed tariffs on Chinese trade. But the impact on China is limited; the ones suffering significant losses are the Western countries, as they cannot do without Chinese manufacturing.

It will be the same in the military sector.

 

[MH.Yang]

Old established powers keep themselves floating cause they are buoyed by their image.....rising powers always come up with out of the box solutions to kick their butts .... it's like law of nature.

If you pay attention to the comments of Chinese members, you will find that most of them are discussing how to retaliate against the United States and analyzing Trump's intentions.

Only non-Chinese members are discussing Taiwan, we don't have much interest. Because we Chinese members know that these weapons have no practical effect, they are just tools for political hype.

We know that Taiwan has no depth. Under the coverage of thousands of long-range rocket launchers from the Nanjing Military Region, all weapons are garbage. Americans also know this, so the US government usually only collects money without delivering weapons.

 

[F-22Raptor]

You have a noob take on this theme. War in Taiwan sounds easy in forums but China does not seem to be up for it. I recall the October Surprise thread created by a Chinese member on the old PDF in 2020 (click to read); 39 pages of entertainment in it.

China is in a bind on this issue due to following reasons:

1. War in Taiwan have the potential to disrupt TSMC and spark a global computing crisis.

"If China were to launch a blockade or invasion of Taiwan, the world would not only face a supply chain crisis but also the possible loss of the singular human capital that powers advanced chip production."

The Truman National Security Project | Saving Taiwan’s Silicon Scientists: The Coming War for Taiwan’s Semiconductor Talent

In February 2023, CIA Director William Burns revealed that, according to U.S. intelligence, Xi Jinping had ordered the Chinese military to be ready to invade Taiwan by 2027. Since then, China’s coercion has shifted from sporadic brinkmanship to a steady campaign of naval maneuvers and near-daily...

www.trumanproject.org

This war is bad news for the economy of many countries including China itself.

Disruptions to Trade in the Taiwan Strait Would Severely Impact China's Economy

A major Taiwan contingency, such as a quarantine, blockade, or invasion, could significantly disrupt the flow of trade through the Taiwan Strait—one of the world’s busiest waterways.

www.csis.org

2. Approximately 80% of Japan's energy imports pass through the seas around Taiwan. Japan have sufficient basis to support Taiwan in the event of Chinese invasion.



3. If Japan intervenes in the Sino-Taiwan war, the US cannot stand by and ignore this development. Supporting Japan is NOT OPTIONAL for the US unlike Ukraine.

Chinese military buildup and excercises around Taiwan have not deterred Japan and the US but have pushed both to respond in kind. Japan and the US are setting up new defenses in the region. Phillippines and Australia are also supporting Japan and the US in these matters.

"Sitting just 110 kilometers (68 miles) east of Taiwan, Yonaguni marks the tail end of an archipelago stretching north to Japan’s main islands, a distance roughly equivalent to the length of the California coastline. Ever since former U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s trip to Taipei in 2022 prompted China to fire missiles that landed near Yonaguni, Japan has accelerated plans for its largest military buildup in at least four decades."

https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2025/12/13/japan/japan-missile-archipelago/

"The Indo-Pacific is entering a new missile age, marked by rapid proliferation of advanced missile systems amid intensifying US-China strategic competition. The US deployment of the Navy-Marine Expeditionary Ship Interdiction System (NMESIS) in the Philippines, Japan’s test of its Type 88 anti-ship missile in June 2025, Australia’s procurement of hypersonic and long-range air-to-air missiles from the United States, South Korea’s debut of the Hyunmoo-5 ballistic missile, and India’s export of BrahMos to the Philippines signal a coordinated effort to counter China’s growing military reach. Alongside this, China’s own deployment of hypersonic missiles, such as the DF-17 and YJ-21, underscores its aim and ambition to dominate not only the first island chain but also the South China Sea. These developments, driven by strategic rivalry, risk escalating tensions, particularly around flashpoints like the Taiwan Strait, threatening regional stability and global trade."

Missile Proliferation in the Indo-Pacific: Escalating Tensions in a Shifting Strategic Landscape

Examining escalating missile proliferation in the Indo-Pacific, and how it underscores a dangerous shift in regional security dynamics moving forward.

www.geopoliticalmonitor.com

View attachment 166171

The US is also developing and deploying new missile systems in the Pacific including Typhon and Dark Eagle. The US Navy found a golden opportunity to test its defenses in the Red Sea while PLAN kept its distance.

While China continues to wait, other countries are finding time to improve their defenses and come up with a better plan and strategy for potential intervention in Taiwan. An outcome less than regime change in Taiwan will be a major strategic setback to China. It can also affect Chinese strategic calculus in the South China Sea where more countries want to secure their interests.

Chinese nuclear sabre-rattling may not help either. It can affect Chinese international image. Many countries and companies are already exploring ways to revisit their supply chains. TSMC is also investing in the US.

https://www.tsmc.com/static/abouttsmcaz/index.htm

TSMC to install cutting-edge 3-nm chip tools in Arizona next summer

Advanced chip production on track to start by 2027, ahead of the original schedule

asia.nikkei.com

Chinese planners probably assume that their best bet is to annex Taiwan without firing a shot: "The greatest victory is that which requires no battle." - Sun Tzu. Chinese military excercises around Taiwan might be aimed to reshape public opinion in Taiwan, to convince them to accept reunification. But Taiwan have not surrendered yet. People in Taiwan may not desire war but well-designed polls do not give the impression that they will fold at the first sign of trouble.

Taiwan’s Youth Are Not Defeatist — and The Data Proves It

A wide body of academic surveys with nationally representative samples shows Taiwanese people’s willingness to fight to defend their homeland, including those under 30.

thediplomat.com

But... but... Cheen Simps think that China can wipe out Taiwan, Japan, the US, Phillippines and Australia in this hypothetical war like in the PDF-exclusive October Surprise Saga. Absolutely, son.

Taiwan will be Chinas graveyard

The US military is rapidly expanding its forces and munitions stockpiles.

Over 1,000 fifth gen fighters now in service,
B-21 ramping production, first F-47 in production, Flight 3 Burke’s now delivering, Block V Virginias and Columbia now under construction etc.

The US is also vastly expanding its satellite architectures in space through Starshield, SDA, etc. The US will have advanced air and ground tracking, space based interceptors, and missile tracking and defeat capability. With Starship and New Glenn, the US has huge mass to orbit capability. The US will see all and track all.

I also estimate by 2035 US military cruise missile stockpiles will be 15-20K, and ballistic missiles 4-5K. And other critical munitions are seeing large increases in production.

 

[MH.Yang]

Taiwan will be Chinas graveyard

The US military is rapidly expanding its forces and munitions stockpiles.

Over 1,000 fifth gen fighters now in service,
B-21 ramping production, first F-47 in production, Flight 3 Burke’s now delivering, Block V Virginias and Columbia now under construction etc.

The US is also vastly expanding its satellite architectures in space through Starshield, SDA, etc. The US will have advanced air and ground tracking, space based interceptors, and missile tracking and defeat capability. With Starship and New Glenn, the US has huge mass to orbit capability. The US will see all and track all.

I also estimate by 2035 US military cruise missile stockpiles will be 15-20K, and ballistic missiles 4-5K. And other critical munitions are seeing large increases in production.

You don't realize that your tone in discussing issues is increasingly like an Indian's? Perhaps America is increasingly like India?

I prefer the tone you used a year ago when you told me Trump would defeat China in a trade war. At that time, you didn't speak so Indian. It seems that 2025 has given you a better understanding of China and the United States.

 

[F-22Raptor]

You don't realize that your tone in discussing issues is increasingly like an Indian's? Perhaps America is increasingly like India?

I’m stating facts and could care less what tone you think I’m using.

 

[LeGenD]

China has enough means to resolve the Taiwan issue. My friend, please trust the Chinese people. As for how it will be resolved, we just need to wait for the outcome. What I can tell you is that, just like Pakistan set the record for the furthest air combat kill, the military operation to reclaim Taiwan will surpass the Gulf War, without the use of nuclear weapons; this is a new era.

Thank you. I appreciate your friendly response. I do not deny Chinese military strength and capability but Taiwan can draw other heavyweights into the fight and trigger a global crisis due to reasons mentioned in my previous post. This is something that China may not want and it is logical. It is not a question mark on Chinese strength. Perhaps China can find a way through negotiations in time. God knows best.

I personally do not wish to see war in this region. China and Taiwan are beautiful states and should co-exist peacefully. If unification is on the cards then it shall be a peaceful process. All the best.

 

[MH.Yang]

I’m stating facts and could care less what tone you think I’m using.

Only Indians would use the future and imagination to 'state facts'.

Have you seen Chinese members discussing projects such as orbital bombers, 6G fighter jets, and aerospace carriers in this post?

Only despairing people would fantasize about using future cards to defeat opponents, and we don't need to.

 

[F-22Raptor]

Only Indians would use the future and imagination to 'state facts'.

Have you seen Chinese members discussing projects such as orbital bombers, 6G fighter jets, and aerospace carriers in this post?

Only despairing people would fantasize about using future cards to defeat opponents, and we don't need to.

This is Taiwan arms sale thread that incorporates Taiwan conflict scenarios and relative military capabilities. In any such conflict, it’s important to assess those near term capabilities. YOU are the one that stated you can subjugate Taiwan with rocket artillery alone and I’m telling you Taiwan will be Chinas graveyard.

 

[东风夜放花千树]

Thank you. I appreciate your friendly response. I do not deny Chinese military strength and capability but Taiwan can draw other heavyweights into the fight and trigger a global crisis due to reasons mentioned in my previous post. This is something that China may not want and it is logical. It is not a question mark on Chinese strength. Perhaps China can find a way through negotiations in time. God knows best.

I personally do not wish to see war in this region. China and Taiwan are beautiful states and should co-exist peacefully. If unification is on the cards then it shall be a peaceful process. All the best.

My friend, Taiwan has never been a country. Relevant documents after World War II all prove that Taiwan belongs to China. Every joint statement between China and Pakistan has emphasized this issue. As for resolving it through negotiations, China has made efforts, but the result was a failure. Regarding the involvement of the United States and other countries, this is unavoidable. We are ready.

 

[MH.Yang]

This is Taiwan arms sale thread that incorporates Taiwan conflict scenarios and relative military capabilities. In any such conflict, it’s important to assess those near term capabilities. YOU are the one that stated you can subjugate Taiwan with rocket artillery alone and I’m telling you Taiwan will be Chinas graveyard.

Do you think China only has rocket launchers?

Do you know that all retired generals in Taiwan will serve and receive salaries in the Chinese government's Political Consultative Conference?

Do you know that the Chinese government is even aware of what underwear the Taiwanese leader wears every night?

Do you know that Taiwanese soldiers have no combat capability at all?

You know nothing and only fantasize. Why should I waste my time chatting with someone like you who knows nothing?

Your government is much smarter than you. Your government usually only collects Taiwan's purchase funds, but does not give them weapons or garbage from airplane cemeteries.

 

[F-22Raptor]

Do you think China only has rocket launchers?

Do you know that all retired generals in Taiwan will serve and receive salaries in the Chinese government's Political Consultative Conference?

Do you know that the Chinese government is even aware of what underwear the Taiwanese leader wears every night?

Do you know that Taiwanese soldiers have no combat capability at all?

You know nothing and only fantasize. Why should I waste my time chatting with someone like you who knows nothing?

Your government is much smarter than you.

Only delusional pinks like yourself believe Taiwanese soldiers “have no combat capability.” You vastly underestimate Taiwans resolve and the US for that matter. China does so at its own risk.

You’ll learn the hard way, just as the Iranians and Russians have. Chinas own humiliation awaits.

 

[MH.Yang]

My friend, Taiwan has never been a country. Relevant documents after World War II all prove that Taiwan belongs to China. Every joint statement between China and Pakistan has emphasized this issue. As for resolving it through negotiations, China has made efforts, but the result was a failure. Regarding the involvement of the United States and other countries, this is unavoidable. We are ready.

I always think that the Taiwan Strait is the battlefield for a showdown between the Chinese Navy and the US Navy, and the loser will lose the whole world When we are ready, we can surround Taiwan and then use political pressure to force the US Navy to come to China's offshore for a decisive battle, which will determine the and loser.

 

[MH.Yang]

Only delusional pinks like yourself believe Taiwanese soldiers “have no combat capability.” You vastly underestimate Taiwans resolve and the US for that matter. China does so at its own risk.

You’ll learn the hard way, just as the Iranians and Russians have. Chinas own humiliation awaits.

It's you who's delusional, not us.

Don't you get it yet? You've been fantasizing that Taiwan or other nations would fight and die for you.

But from the very beginning, our war preparations have always targeted you—Taiwan is merely our bait. We never intended to wage war against Taiwan. Once we defeat the United States, Taiwan will surrender.

 

[F-22Raptor]

Do you think China only has rocket launchers?

Do you know that all retired generals in Taiwan will serve and receive salaries in the Chinese government's Political Consultative Conference?

Do you know that the Chinese government is even aware of what underwear the Taiwanese leader wears every night?

Do you know that Taiwanese soldiers have no combat capability at all?

You know nothing and only fantasize. Why should I waste my time chatting with someone like you who knows nothing?

Your government is much smarter than you. Your government usually only collects Taiwan's purchase funds, but does not give them weapons or garbage from airplane cemeteries.

BTW, if China truly believed this, get on with reunification already. Don’t use “Chinas patience” as a crux to hide Chinas cowardice. Everyone knows China fears the consequences.

 

[Ali_Baba]

Thank you. I appreciate your friendly response. I do not deny Chinese military strength and capability but Taiwan can draw other heavyweights into the fight and trigger a global crisis due to reasons mentioned in my previous post. This is something that China may not want and it is logical. It is not a question mark on Chinese strength. Perhaps China can find a way through negotiations in time. God knows best.

I personally do not wish to see war in this region. China and Taiwan are beautiful states and should co-exist peacefully. If unification is on the cards then it shall be a peaceful process. All the best.

I disagree with your assertion that Taiwan can "pull in other" countries, the nature of all countries is fundamentally to not get involved in wars, especially other peoples wars. We can see this example in Western Europe in the Ukrainian war. The barrier to war is high, and Taiwan is not worthy enough a cause for any country in the region to get involved in unless it has a critical impact to you.

The calculus of the neighbouring Asian countries is that they are learning to live with a growing China both economically and also a military strong China. China that will not forget or forgive any country that interjects itself into what is an internal affair of China over Taiwan. They are aware of that, and they understand that the Americans will leave them to deal with the problems that they will create before they leave as they always do.

China will wage war if Taiwan attempts to declare independence, and the Americans will find that not many countries will want to host American forces that are actively engaged in war operations against China when the time arrives. The choice will either as you suggest, have a long drawn out war involving many countries in the region as the barrier to war, or the countries in the region wanting a quick end to the war. They will work towards ending the war quickly by not supporting or even pressuring Taiwan as none of the countries have military capabilities that even if combined, can withstand China let alone face China alone.

The trade routes and oil routes of the neighbouring countries will reroute and the cost of this will be small, just take a look at the map. We have seen this rerouting of Trade over the Gaza Genocide which was more disruptive than anything that will happen near Taiwan in terms of new routes.

Appreciate we have a difference of opinion( i did read your other post) but I do think you are overstating the impact of a war for the region or globally, as being the barrier for China.