Taiwan’s leader emphasized on Sunday that military equipment acquired from America serves as “the most important deterrent” against regional tensions and unrest, responding to President Trump’s recent questioning of ongoing U.S. backing for Taiwan after his China visit.
Military sales from America to Taiwan and defense collaboration between both nations are legally mandated and serve as a foundation for regional peace and stability, President Lai Ching-te stated.
“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 said.
These remarks followed Trump’s recent expressions of uncertainty about his commitment to ongoing weapons sales to Taiwan, the democratic island that China considers its own rebellious territory, potentially to be reclaimed through military action if needed.
America, similar to other nations maintaining official diplomatic relations with China, does not acknowledge Taiwan as an independent nation but remains the island’s primary supporter and weapons provider. U.S. law requires Washington to supply Taiwan with defensive capabilities and considers any threats against the island as seriously concerning.
Trump had already authorized a historic $11 billion military package for Taiwan in December, featuring missiles, drones, artillery equipment and defense software.
During a Fox News interview broadcast Friday, following Trump’s completion of a significant China visit, he revealed he has not yet approved a proposed $14 billion weapons package for Taiwan, stating it “depends on China.”
“It’s a very good negotiating chip for us frankly,” he said.
These remarks sparked worry on the island, which Taiwan’s administration has attempted to address by emphasizing that America’s official Taiwan policy remains unchanged.
“Taiwan will not provoke or escalate conflict, but it will also not relinquish its national sovereignty and dignity, or its democratic and free way of life, under pressure,” Lai declared, identifying China as “the root cause of undermining regional peace and stability and attempting to change the status quo.”
China has characterized Taiwan as “the most important issue in China-U.S. relations” during Chinese President Xi Jinping’s recent discussions with Trump.
In one of his most forceful declarations yet, Xi warned Trump on Thursday of “clashes and even conflicts” if Taiwan matters were mishandled.
China and Taiwan have operated under separate governments since 1949, when the Communist Party gained control in Beijing after a civil war. Defeated Nationalist Party members escaped to Taiwan, which eventually evolved from military rule to democratic governance.
