U.S. Weapons Sales to Taiwan Anger China
Teach the headlines with this lesson on arms sales, international conflict, and global diplomacy.
Note: If you are short on time, watch the video and complete this See, Think, Wonder activity: What did you notice? What did the story make you think about? What would you want to learn more about?
The Trump administration has approved the largest single package of weapons sales to Taiwan in U.S. history. Many of the systems mirror those the United States has supplied to Ukraine. The move is part of a broader U.S. effort to help Taiwan deter, and if necessary, defend itself against China. Nick Schifrin reports.
View the transcript of the story.
Warm-Up Questions
- Where is Taiwan, and what is its relationship to China?
- Who has approved the largest weapon sale to Taiwan in history?
- How has China responded to U.S. actions?
- Why is the United States supporting Taiwan with weapons?
- What is the reason China is angered by U.S. actions?
Essential Questions
- Do you think the United States should have a role in arming other countries?
- Do you think such actions are more likely to lead to peace or conflict?
- Media literacy: Who else would you want to hear from to best understand the impact of this arms sale by the United States?
What Students Can Do
Watch the following News Hour segment from earlier in 2025. In this segment, experts debate the value to the United States in supporting Taiwan. As you watch, take notes on the arguments made. Then discuss —
- Who do you think made the better argument, and why?
- Did your opinion change at all on the topic? If so, how?
Lesson Plans on International Politics
Find more resources on international politics and how they relate to your students with our free collection of preK-12 lesson plans and teaching resources.
Republished with permission from PBS News Hour Classroom.
PBS News Hour Classroom helps teachers and students identify the who, what, where and why-it-matters of the major national and international news stories. The site combines the best of News Hour's reliable, trustworthy news program with lesson plans developed specifically for... See More
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