Taiwan Urges US to Continue Arms Sales

Taiwanese leader Lai Ching-te has requested that the United States continue arms sales to the island, asserting they are necessary to maintain regional peace. In a social media post on Sunday night (17/5), Lai criticised China’s military expansion, suggesting it aims solely to annex Taiwan, a self-governing island.

“Because China continues to use its armed forces to annex Taiwan, while simultaneously expanding its military strength and attempting to change the status quo in the region and across the strait, US arms sales to Taiwan and deeper security cooperation are required,” Lai stated in a Facebook post.

This statement follows comments from US President Donald Trump, who indicated he is still considering the approval of a $14 billion arms sales package to Taiwan. “I am still holding it, and it depends on China. Honestly, this is a very good negotiating card for us. The value is very large,” Trump said.

China views Taiwan as part of its territory and has repeatedly asserted its intention to unify the island, including through the use of armed force if necessary. Beijing also continues to reject Washington’s efforts to sell weapons to Taipei.

Although the United States shifted its diplomatic recognition from Taiwan to mainland China, it remains one of Taiwan’s primary arms suppliers and major trading partners. In response, Lai reaffirmed that the Republic of China, Taiwan’s official name, is a sovereign and independent territory. He also stated the position of his government that the Republic of China and the People’s Republic of China do not fall under each other’s sovereignty. China, led by the Communist Party, and Taiwan have been governed separately since the civil war in 1949.