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The United States approved an $11.1 billion arms sale to Taiwan on December 17, 2025, marking the largest deal since 1979. This action is viewed by Beijing as interference in its internal affairs and a challenge to national reunification efforts, contradicting US commitments to reduce arms sales under the China-US joint communiques.

The arms sales have reportedly emboldened Taiwan's Democratic Progressive Party, led by Lai Ching-te, to adopt more confrontational policies. Lai plans to raise Taiwan's defense spending to 5% of GDP by 2030, while China has responded with military drills as a deterrent against perceived provocations.

The US intends to proceed with additional arms sales, with four packages pending Congressional notification. President Lai announced an additional $40 billion in defense spending by 2033, despite calls for more transparency from opposition parties.