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Taiwan Says US Weapons Essential for Regional Stability
(MENAFN) Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te has defended the island’s purchases of American military equipment after US President Donald Trump suggested that future arms deliveries could be used as leverage in negotiations with Beijing.
The issue of Taiwan reportedly featured prominently during Trump’s recent visit to China, where Chinese President Xi Jinping described the island’s status as the most sensitive matter in relations between Beijing and Washington, warning that it could become a source of confrontation. China has consistently criticized US weapons sales to Taiwan, describing them as interference in domestic affairs and a breach of the long-standing One-China principle.
In remarks published on social media Sunday, Lai described US arms sales as “the most important deterrent” against instability and military conflict in the Taiwan Strait.
“We thank President Trump for his continued support for peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait since his first term, including the continuous increase in the scale and amount of arms sales to Taiwan,” he wrote.
The Taiwanese leader also stated that the island “will not provoke” a conflict, while emphasizing that it would not “give up national sovereignty and dignity.”
Last December, Trump approved what was described as a record $11 billion military package for Taiwan, including missiles, drones, artillery platforms, and defense software systems. However, reports indicate he later expressed uncertainty about moving forward with another proposed package worth $14 billion.
“I’m holding that in abeyance and it depends on China,” Trump said. “It’s a very good negotiating chip for us, frankly. It’s a lot of weapons.”
China maintains that Taiwan is part of its sovereign territory, a stance recognized by most countries worldwide, including Russia. Beijing has repeatedly said it prefers peaceful reunification, though Xi previously warned that the use of force would remain an option under certain circumstances.
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