Raymond Greene, the de facto US ambassador to Taiwan, delivered a pointed message of reassurance this week, declaring that America’s commitment to the island is “rock solid” and evidenced by “actions.” His comments coincided with the confirmation of a new $700 million arms deal for the National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System (NASAMS). This sophisticated air defense package brings the total US military aid announced in the last seven days to a staggering $1 billion, serving as a concrete manifestation of the policy of “peace through strength.”
Speaking to the American Chamber of Commerce, Greene highlighted “growing defense industrial cooperation” as the cornerstone of the US-Taiwan relationship. The sale of NASAMS, a system manufactured by RTX and battle-tested in the skies over Ukraine, fits this mold perfectly. It provides Taiwan with a modern, medium-range capability to counter the People’s Liberation Army’s (PLA) overwhelming numerical advantage in the air. The system is a new addition to Taiwan’s arsenal and is currently operated in the region only by close US partners Australia and Indonesia.
The deal is structured as a firm fixed-price contract with work expected to run until February 2031. This ensures that Taiwan remains a priority for US defense manufacturers for years to come. The Pentagon confirmed that roughly $699 million in fiscal 2026 funds have been obligated for this purpose. This move comes amid a spike in regional friction, with China launching drones near Japanese islands and sailing coast guard vessels into disputed waters, further destabilizing the status quo.
China’s “grey zone” warfare—tactics designed to intimidate and exhaust without triggering full-scale war—has become the daily reality for Taiwan. In response, Taipei is diversifying its defense approach. While purchasing US systems like NASAMS is crucial, the island is also investing heavily in indigenous programs, such as submarine construction, to protect its maritime lifelines. Defense Minister Wellington Koo emphasized that while Taiwan prepares for war, it seeks peace, urging Beijing to resolve differences without force.
The US decision to supply a weapon system currently in extreme demand globally underscores Taiwan’s geopolitical importance. By ensuring that Taipei receives the same effective defenses as Kyiv, Washington is drawing a clear parallel between the defense of democracy in Europe and in Asia. As Greene noted, the goal is to make it “clear today and into the future” that the US will not abandon its partner, regardless of the pressure from across the strait.