US House passes $500M military financing for Taiwan as Trump holds $14B arms package

Published Jul 27, 11:00 AM UTC

The U.S. House of Representatives passed a bill on July 15, 2026, allocating $500 million in Foreign Military Financing for Taiwan, signaling continued congressional support for Taiwan's defense despite President Donald Trump's hold on a $14 billion weapons package. Trump paused the major arms deal in May after meeting Chinese President Xi Jinping, who opposes U.S. military aid to Taiwan. Analysts say the funding, part of the 2027 fiscal year appropriations bill, does not commit to a specific arms package but reflects Congress's intent to maintain security commitments and avoid long-term constraints from White House negotiations with China. The bill still requires Senate approval and Trump's signature. China claims sovereignty over Taiwan and has increased military exercises near the island. Experts expect a White House announcement on the $14 billion package only after another Trump-Xi meeting.