US Concerned by Taiwan Defence Delay Seen as ‘Concession’ to China

WASHINGTON — The United States has expressed concern over an apparent decision by Taiwan’s new administration to delay the delivery of key American-made defensive systems, a move critics fear could be interpreted as a concession to Beijing’s long-standing pressure campaign against the island.

The comments, made by a State Department official on Saturday, reflect growing nervousness in Washington that Taiwan’s new President, Joseph Wu — who has prioritized social spending over defense in his first budget — is softening the island’s posture just as China ramps up military pressure.

“We have noted reports of potential delays affecting Taiwan’s receipt of certain defensive systems and are concerned that any such delay could be perceived as a concession to PRC pressure. The United States encourages Taiwan to expedite its defensive preparations.” — State Department spokesperson

🎯 What’s Being Delayed?

The Wu administration, which took office in January 2025, has deprioritized defense spending in favor of healthcare and housing subsidies.

Specifically on hold or delayed:

• High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS) — The 29 HIMARS launchers approved by the State Department in 2021, as well as associated tactical missiles and training, are now facing a timeline push into 2027 .
• F-16V Fighter Jets — A massive $8 billion order for 66 advanced F-16V Block 70 fighters is also facing delays, with the first delivery not expected until late 2026, months behind schedule .
• Man-Portable Air Defense Systems (Stingers) — A request for hundreds of Stinger missiles, viewed as critical to defending against China’s fleet of attack drones, is pending with no timeline .

🇨🇳 Beijing’s Response

Beijing has not formally commented on Taiwan’s decision, but the Chinese government views any cross-strait defense cooperation as a violation of the “One China” principle and has repeatedly warned that the US must stop arming what it calls a breakaway province .

On Friday, May 8, the Chinese aircraft carrier Shandong and its strike group conducted drills south of Taiwan during the final day of its combat patrol, and a Chinese spokesman said that the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) was monitoring the situation .

The PLA has been wargaming how to blockade the island, potentially preventing resupply of advanced weapons like the very F-16Vs currently being delayed .

🏛️ New Administration’s Defense Calculus

President Joseph Wu ran on a platform of “economic security” but has been criticized by opposition parties for rolling back the defense commitments of his predecessor. While Wu has not formally reduced the defense budget, the rate of spending has slowed, and procurement has languished. This is a shift in emphasis that Beijing is watching eagerly and Washington views with alarm.

Most importantly, critics argue that delayed delivery of HIMARS and F-16Vs degrades Taiwan’s ability to survive the “first wave” of an invasion. Without these defensive systems, Taiwan’s ability to hold out until U.S. reinforcements arrive is questionable, and the primary deterrent against Chinese aggression—a credible self-defense capability—is compromised.

Washington’s warning is that any perception of “weakness” will merely encourage Beijing to escalate its gray-zone tactics, including sending more warships and military aircraft into Taiwan’s Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ), increasing the risk of accidental conflict.

📋 Key Takeaways for Reflecto News Readers

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