US House approves $500M for Taiwan defense as Trump holds $1.4B arms package

Published Jul 27, 11:00 AM UTC

The US House of Representatives passed a 2027 fiscal year appropriations bill including $500 million in Foreign Military Financing for Taiwan, signaling continued Congressional support for the island's defense despite President Donald Trump's hold on a separate $14 billion weapons package. Trump paused the larger package in May after meeting Chinese President Xi Jinping, who opposes US military aid to Taiwan. Analysts say the new funding, which can be used for older arms deals, reflects Congress's desire to avoid long-term constraints on aid due to 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 anticipate a White House announcement on the $14 billion package only after another Trump-Xi meeting.