Overview
- Chinese officials have signalled they will not approve a planned visit by Pentagon policy chief Elbridge Colby until the U.S. resolves a pending $14 billion arms package for Taiwan.
- The package is reported to include Patriot interceptor missiles and NASAMS surface-to-air systems that would strengthen Taiwan's air defenses.
- President Trump has publicly said he is holding the sale "in abeyance" and called the package a "very good negotiating chip," increasing uncertainty in Taipei about U.S. timing.
- U.S. military leaders warn that the move comes as the People's Liberation Army has stepped up drills near Taiwan, which Admiral Samuel Paparo described as "rehearsals" that raise crisis risks.
- Analysts say Beijing is using visit approvals as diplomatic leverage to delay or narrow the sale ahead of Xi's expected state visit, a tactic that could curb direct military-to-military channels and complicate crisis communication.