Acting Navy Secretary Hung Cao confirmed the pause during a Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense hearing, stating the move aims to ensure the U.S. has sufficient munitions for its operations in Iran. ‘Right now, we’re doing a pause in order to make sure we have the munitions we need for Epic Fury — which we have plenty,’ Cao said, according to Al Jazeera.

Arms Sale Stalls Amid Diplomatic Tensions

The $14 billion arms package, approved by Congress in January, requires President Donald Trump’s sign-off to proceed. The sale, if approved, would be the largest ever weapons transfer to Taiwan and would surpass the previous record of an $11 billion package approved by Trump in December, according to Al Jazeera.

Cao added that any decision to move forward with the sale would be made by Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth and Secretary of State Marco Rubio. ‘But we’re just making sure we have everything, and then the foreign military sales will continue when the administration deems necessary,’ he said.

Trump’s Ambiguity and Congressional Concerns

President Trump has not publicly committed to following through with the sale, raising concerns about U.S. support for Taiwan. Ahead of his state visit to China, Trump said he would discuss the issue with Chinese President Xi Jinping, a shift from Washington’s previous stance of not consulting Beijing on the matter, according to AOL.com.

During a press briefing aboard Air Force One on May 15, Trump confirmed that Xi had brought up the U.S. weapons sale. He said he made ‘no commitment either way’ on the issue and avoided stating whether the U.S. would defend Taiwan in the event of a Chinese attack, per AOL.com.

Congressional lawmakers from both parties have urged the Trump administration to continue providing arms to Taiwan. Rep. Michael McCaul, a Texas Republican and former House Foreign Affairs Committee chairman, said the U.S. must ‘arm Taiwan so they can defend themselves for deterrence against Chairman Xi,’ according to AOL.com.

Taiwan’s Response and Ongoing Diplomacy

Taiwanese Premier Cho Jung-tai told reporters on Friday that Taiwan would continue to pursue arms purchases, according to the Taiwanese news outlet FTV News. The U.S. and Iran agreed to a ceasefire on April 8, but a permanent peace deal remains elusive, according to Al Jazeera.

The State Department and the Pentagon have not yet responded to requests for comment on Cao’s remarks. The ongoing pause reflects the administration’s balancing act between regional security priorities and diplomatic considerations, particularly with China.