The United States is reportedly considering postponing a significant arms deal with Taiwan until after the November APEC summit. The potential delay coincides with Chinese President Xi Jinping's state visit to Washington this week.

President Donald Trump may extend the hold through year-end, potentially until the bilateral meeting at APEC and Xi's expected visit to Florida for the G20 summit in December, according to the South China Morning Post. Beijing's strong opposition could increase the likelihood of further delays into next year.

Strategic Timing and Alternatives

The Trump administration could announce a smaller arms package between this week's Washington summit and the November APEC meeting. However, a multibillion-dollar deal appears less likely during this window. Taiwanese officials worry Trump could delay arms sales until the end of his presidency.

The White House did not immediately respond to requests for comments.

Previous Pauses Linked to Munitions Supply

This is not the first time the US has considered delaying arms sales to Taiwan. In May, Acting Navy Secretary Hung Cao told lawmakers that some foreign military sales to Taiwan had been temporarily paused. The pause was intended to ensure sufficient munitions for Operation Epic Fury against Iran.

A US source later told Reuters that the Taiwan sales were unrelated to the Iran war. Taiwan said it had not been formally notified of a pause. Cao stated that sales will resume when the administration deems necessary.

Reports indicated the US has used significant numbers of RTX Corp (NYSE: RTX) Tomahawk cruise missiles and Patriot interceptors since fighting began earlier this year.

Diplomatic Context

While the US has no mutual defense treaty with Taiwan, the 1979 Taiwan Relations Act states that the US should make available to Taiwan defense articles and services in such quantity as necessary to maintain sufficient self-defense capabilities.

China has consistently condemned US arms deals with Taiwan, calling them a gross violation of the one-China principle. In December, China's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian criticized the United States for approving an $11.15 billion arms package to Taiwan.

Taiwan President Lai Ching-te has emphasized that Taiwan's actions are focused on protecting its democratic system and security, pushing back against China's pressure.