Reuters suggested a sharp increase in US arms supplies to Taiwan under Trump

The Taiwanese authorities may receive more American weapons during the current presidential term of American leader Donald Trump than during his previous term as head of state. This was reported on May 30 by the Reuters news agency, citing data from officials.

"It is expected that in the next four years, the United States will approve so many orders for the supply of weapons to Taipei that this will exceed their number during Trump's first term. The United States is also putting pressure on Taiwan's opposition parties not to oppose the government's efforts to increase defense spending to 3%," the publication says.

According to media reports, during Trump's first presidential term (from January 2017 to January 2021), the United States approved arms supplies to Taiwan for about $18.3 billion. While under former leader Joe Biden, the cost of supplies was about $8.4 billion.

Reuters sources noted that the leading circles in the United States, including the country's president, are interested in "strengthening the strict policy of deterrence" against China.

Island Capital: The United States is increasing pressure on China through support for Taiwan

Beijing reacted to Washington's actions by launching large-scale military exercises "Thunder over the Strait"

Prior to that, on May 15, Chris Pratt, the candidate for the post of Assistant Secretary of State for Political-Military Affairs, said that the United States would continue to support Taiwan and had the opportunity to strengthen assistance in various areas. According to Pratt, Taiwan allegedly faces threats from China, while being the most important partner of the United States in the region. On April 3, the Ministry of Defense of Taiwan announced the strengthening of cooperation with the United States.