Taiwan’s President Lai Ching-te announced Wednesday that he would seek to discuss ongoing U.S. weapons sales with President Donald Trump if the opportunity arose, describing such purchases as vital for maintaining peace while emphasizing that outside powers cannot determine the island’s destiny.
The statement comes as Lai reaches the midpoint of his four-year presidency, facing increased pressure from China, which views Taiwan as a rebellious territory that must be brought under Beijing’s control through military action if needed. Recent comments from Trump have also sparked worries about America’s longstanding backing of Taiwan despite the absence of official diplomatic relations.
During a press conference, Lai outlined what he would communicate to Trump, stressing that maintaining peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait remains vital for worldwide security. He characterized China as the force undermining peace in the waterway.
The Taiwanese leader explained he would inform Trump that Taiwan’s growing military spending responds to security threats, and that purchasing American weapons serves as a critical tool for preserving regional stability. “Only strength can bring peace,” Lai declared.
“No country has the right to annex Taiwan,” Lai said at the news briefing. “Democracy and freedom should also not be seen as provocation.”
He expressed enthusiasm for expanded collaboration between Taiwan, the United States, and other democratic nations in advancing peace across the strait.
During the previous week, Chinese President Xi Jinping delivered a stern message to the U.S., warning Trump at their Beijing meeting that the “Taiwan question” represents the most critical matter in Chinese-American relations. Xi cautioned that both countries will “have clashes and even conflicts” without proper handling of the issue.
Trump had previously authorized a historic $11 billion weapons package for Taiwan in December. Speaking on Fox News last Friday following his China visit, Trump indicated his approval of an additional $14 billion arms deal for Taiwan would depend on China’s response, calling it “a very good negotiating chip.”
Trump later informed reporters he needed to speak with Taiwan’s leader, though he did not mention Lai by name. Beijing has labeled Lai a separatist.
In Wednesday’s address, Lai emphasized that democracy does not come without effort.
“Taiwan’s future cannot be decided by external forces, nor can it be hijacked by fear, division, or short-term interests,” he stated, without identifying specific external actors.
He noted Taiwan’s readiness to participate in constructive exchanges with China based on equality and respect, while strongly opposing united front strategies that “package unification as peace.”
Apart from geopolitical concerns, Taiwan plays a crucial role in manufacturing artificial intelligence servers, computer processors, and advanced equipment. The AI surge has driven Taiwan’s top technology firms to unprecedented profits and sales. However, experts express concern about the island’s dependence on semiconductor manufacturers and tech companies, which could pose risks if the AI trend proves unsustainable.
Lai announced plans for a $3.1 billion initiative to speed up modernization and transformation of smaller businesses and traditional industries, with technology sectors leading conventional industries forward.
In Beijing, Zhu Fenglian, spokesperson for China’s Taiwan Affairs Office, criticized Lai’s Sunday Facebook post that blamed China for altering the status quo. According to Chinese state news agency Xinhua, she called his statement full of “lies and deception, hostility and confrontation.”
She claimed Lai remained committed to Taiwan independence while promoting division and conflict across the strait.
“(Lai) is the destroyer of the status quo of Taiwan’s strait,” Xinhua reported her saying.
