US Defense Official Blocked from China Visit Over Taiwan Arms Sale

U.S. Deputy Secretary of Defense Koberg has been unable to secure an invitation to speak at China’s National Defense University. According to two sources cited by Politico, Koberg’s request, made over several months, has not been answered because Beijing is displeased with a recent U.S. arms sale to Taiwan valued at $11 billion (about NT$3.5 trillion). The Chinese side indicated that the sale delayed any planned visit, though they have not ruled out a future trip that could include Koberg and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.

U.S. officials note that the visit is intended to discuss defense policy priorities and maintain dialogue with the People’s Liberation Army. Within the Pentagon, opinions differ on the timing and value of the trip, with some questioning its strategic benefit amid rising tensions in the Taiwan Strait and South China Sea.