U.S. Deputy Secretary DeSombre says Taiwan arms sales not tied to China talks

U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs Michael DeSombre told a House Foreign Affairs subcommittee that the United States’ policy toward Taiwan remains unchanged and that decisions on arms sales to Taipei are not contingent on negotiations with Beijing. He reaffirmed that the “six assurances” and the Taiwan Relations Act continue to guide U.S. actions, and that each time the United States meets China, Taiwan and related arms‑sale issues are raised – but this does not constitute a deviation from established policy.

DeSombre noted that a $11 billion weapons package approved in December was the largest ever, and that a newer $14 billion sale is still under presidential review. He declined to give a timetable for the latter. The remarks came amid broader concerns about U.S.‑China relations and the stability of the Taiwan Strait.