What you need to know: Taiwan is reportedly considering a $5 billion US defense purchase, including F-35s, E-2 Hawkeyes, Patriot missiles and the Aegis combat system, to demonstrate its commitment to self-defense as Donald Trump takes its functions.

-Such a purchase would demonstrate Taiwan’s determination to deter Chinese aggression, as the island prepares for potential invasion threats by 2027. For the United States, the deal could strengthen Taiwan’s defense Taiwan, supporting a key trading partner and generating financial benefits.

-However, increased arms support for Taiwan risks intensifying tensions with China, as open conflict between the United States and China could have serious consequences for the global economy and security.

F-35, warships and more: Taiwan’s proposed arms package to the United States

Taiwan has expressed interest in a major purchase of military hardware from the United States to show new President Donald Trump that the island nation is committed to defending itself. The purchase could include sixty F-35 Joint Strike Fighters, four E-2 Hawkeyes, ten retired US warships and 400 Patriot missiles. Taiwan is also reportedly considering purchasing the Aegis combat system, capable of defending against incoming missiles. All things considered, the pack would cost more than $5 billion.

The deal could make sense for Taiwanese. But the agreement, including the sale of F-35 in Taiwan, does this make sense to Americans?

A show of force: Taiwan and the F-35

“Taiwan is considering a package to show it is serious,” a former Trump official told the newspaper. Financial Times. “Assuming they follow through, they will go to the U.S. national security adviser when they are appointed and present a very aggressive package of U.S. hardware.”

Reports indicate that Taiwan has already begun informal discussions with the new Trump administration about an arms sale, although Taiwan has denied that such negotiations are underway.

“There has been a period of consolidation and discussion between Taiwan and the United States on military needs, but there is no new stage of discussion at this time,” Taiwan said in a statement to Reuters.

Taiwan is actively preparing for a Chinese invasion; Mainland China of course. Claims that Taiwan is a Chinese territory and has never recognized the existence of the island nation. US officials have suggested that China would be fully prepared to launch an invasion of Taiwan by 2027.

Until now, the United States has maintained strategic ambiguity toward Taiwan, never explicitly committing to the nation’s defense or denying any prospect of assistance. The sale of American equipment to Taiwan would suggest an investment in Taiwan’s well-being.

Here again, the sale of American military equipment is not accompanied by a guarantee of intervention on the ground in the event of an invasion of the purchasing country.

The potential sale has pros and cons for Americans. Regarding the benefits, first, the sale strengthens the defense of a friendly nation whose economy is important to the global community. Second, the sale would result in clear financial benefits for the United States, although if Taiwan were to become embroiled in war or under blockade, the result This could result in a “$2.7 trillion loss in global economic activity in the first year alone, equivalent to a 2.8% decline in global GDP,” which would effectively hurt the United States financially.

The main downside of such a sale would be escalating tensions with China. All eyes are on the Sino-American relationship. China is a revisionist power currently investing heavily in developing its military capabilities while asserting territorial claims across the Indo-Pacific. Meanwhile, Trump has resorted to abrasive rhetoric against Xi’s regime. Any form of open conflict between the United States and China could be extremely destructive and should be avoided.

About the author: Harrison Kass

Harrison Kassis a defense and national security writer with more than 1,000 total articles on issues related to global affairs. A lawyer, pilot, guitarist, and minor professional hockey player, Harrison joined the United States Air Force as a trainee pilot, but was medically discharged. Harrison holds a BA from Lake Forest College, a JD from the University of Oregon, and an MS from New York University. Harrison listens to Dokken.

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