TAIPEI – On Sunday, Taiwan’s President Lai Ching-te underscored the critical importance of arms purchases from the United States, labeling them as “the most important deterrent” against regional conflict and instability. This statement comes in the wake of former President Donald Trump casting doubts on the continuity of U.S. support for Taiwan during his recent visit to China.
President Lai articulated that U.S. arms sales and security cooperation are not solely dictated by law, but also serve as pivotal elements for maintaining regional peace and stability. He expressed gratitude towards Trump for his consistent support for peace across the Taiwan Strait, which has included a significant increase in arms sales during Trump’s administration.
This declaration follows Trump’s recent remarks, where he expressed uncertainty about approving a new $14 billion arms package for Taiwan, suggesting that the decision would be influenced by China. “It’s a very good negotiating chip for us frankly,” Trump stated in an interview aired on Fox News.
The context is crucial, as the U.S. does not officially recognize Taiwan as a sovereign nation due to its formal ties with China. However, it remains Taiwan’s staunchest ally and arms supplier, bound by U.S. law to ensure Taiwan has the capability to defend itself. Washington views any threat to Taiwan as a significant concern.
In December, Trump had already sanctioned a record-breaking $11 billion arms package to Taiwan, which included advanced missiles, drones, artillery systems, and military software. The evolving situation raises alarm on the island, prompting the Taiwanese government to reassure its citizens that U.S. policy toward Taiwan 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,” President Lai affirmed, identifying China as the principal source of disruption to regional peace and stability.
U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson praised Lai’s remarks, declaring them a reasonable stance and reaffirming Congress’s commitment to preventing any unlawful territorial claims by China. “China cannot just go take over land, and we’re going to stand strong and resolute by that,” Johnson stated during an interview.
On a broader note, U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer indicated on ABC’s “This Week” that the Biden administration is actively evaluating its approach to arms sales to Taiwan, acknowledging that previous U.S. presidents have paused sales in response to various geopolitical factors. “When the president makes a decision on national security, it’s really based on American security needs first,” Greer noted.
China has consistently framed Taiwan as the pivotal issue in U.S.-China relations, with President Xi Jinping recently cautioning Trump about potential “clashes and even conflicts” if Taiwan is not handled with care.
The historical backdrop of the Taiwan-China relationship is complex, as Taiwan has been governed separately since 1949 when the Communist Party emerged victorious in the Chinese Civil War, leading the defeated Nationalist forces to retreat to Taiwan, which later evolved into a multiparty democracy.
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Associated Press writer Didi Tang in Washington contributed to this report.
