Taiwan’s government has called for ongoing arms support from the United States, emphasizing that defense cooperation is anchored in US law and serves as a crucial deterrent. This appeal came after President Donald Trump expressed uncertainty about approving new weapons sales to Taiwan following his summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing.
Despite the absence of formal diplomatic relations, the US remains Taiwan’s most significant international ally. Under the Taiwan Relations Act, Washington is legally obligated to supply defensive arms to the island to maintain its security.
In a statement, Karen Kuo, spokesperson for Taiwan President Lai Ching-te, highlighted that China’s military pressure is the primary destabilizing factor in the Indo-Pacific region, particularly around the Taiwan Strait. She stressed that arms transactions between Taiwan and the US are not only a reflection of the US security commitment but also serve as mutual deterrence against regional threats.
Kuo also expressed gratitude for Trump’s longstanding support for security in the Taiwan Strait and noted that Taiwan continues to deepen its defense cooperation with Washington.
Trump’s comments followed uncertainty over a proposed multi-billion-dollar arms package for Taiwan. In December, his administration approved an $11 billion deal, while another package valued at approximately $14 billion remains pending approval.
Taiwan’s Deputy Foreign Minister Chen Ming-chi stated that the government will maintain communication with Washington but refrained from commenting on the pending sales. Meanwhile, budget constraints led by the opposition in Taiwan’s parliament have complicated defense spending plans, with lawmakers approving reduced budgets while allocating funds specifically for US arms procurement.
US lawmakers from both parties have urged the administration to continue weapons sales to Taiwan. Kuo Yu-ren, vice president of the Taiwan think tank Institute for Policy Research, suggested that Trump might delay the decision until after forthcoming diplomatic engagements with Beijing later this year.
Trump also indicated he might engage directly with Taiwan’s leadership regarding the proposed arms deal, stating, “I have to speak to the person … that’s running Taiwan.” In response, Chen said Taipei is seeking to clarify the true meaning behind Trump’s remarks.
A senior Taiwan security official, speaking anonymously, emphasized that any discussions about arms sales would involve Taiwan directly, not Beijing. The official remarked, “The party with whom arms sales are to be discussed is Taiwan, not Beijing.”
China, which claims sovereignty over Taiwan, has not dismissed the possibility of using force and continues near-daily military activities around the island. Taiwan’s government rejects Beijing’s claims, maintaining that the island is a sovereign, independent democratic country.
