Rubio links Taiwan arms delay to U.S. production shortages

Secretary of State Marco Rubio said delays in a $14 billion arms sale to Taiwan stem from concerns about U.S. military production shortages, not Taiwan-specific policy. He noted that selling weapons means the U.S. no longer has them available. The stalled package, approved by Congress in January, includes Patriot PAC-3 interceptors and advanced missile systems. It would be the largest U.S. military assistance package for Taiwan if completed, and the issue was expected to be a major topic in Thursday's Trump-Xi talks. China opposes the sale, with officials calling Taiwan a "red line" and urging "extreme caution." Beijing has increased military operations around Taiwan since 2022, while President Xi said the Thucydides trap can be overcome through dialogue and crisis communication.