[International] Hsiao Bi-khim in AP Interview: Growing China Threat, Taiwan Needs US Weapons for Self-Defense
bellala 央廣5h ago
The Associated Press reported today (18th) that Representative to the United States Hsiao Bi-khim stated in an interview with the agency that in the face of growing threats from Beijing, Taiwan needs to purchase US weapons to ensure its self-defense capabilities. He added that he has not seen any change in Washington's policy towards Taiwan.
US President Donald Trump, after returning to the US from Beijing in May, said he had "detailed" discussions with Chinese leader Xi Jinping about a $14 billion arms sale to Taiwan, a move that heightened Taiwan's anxiety and raised concerns among Washington lawmakers. The plan remains on hold.
Hsiao Bi-khim, who leads the "Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office" in the US, told the AP in an interview in Washington on the 17th: "We need these weapons for defense." He said, "We are working to increase our defense spending. We are working to enhance our self-defense capabilities and survive in times of crisis."
Although the $14 billion arms sale was approved by senior members of Congress earlier this year, the Trump administration has yet to advance the sale. Trump described the arms sale as a "very effective bargaining chip" with China.
Under US domestic law, Washington is obligated to provide Taiwan with sufficient hardware to deter aggression from China. China claims sovereignty over Taiwan and vows to take Taiwan by force if necessary to achieve its so-called unification. China has consistently opposed US arms sales to Taiwan. Taiwan has never been under Chinese communist rule.
Taiwan Diplomat: We Won't Wait for "American Cavalry"
Hsiao stated that Taiwan recognizes the need to defend its own territory.
He said, "This is our responsibility, so we will not wait for the American cavalry to save us." He added, "This is why we are willing to purchase American equipment and weapons to enhance our own strength."
Hsiao said that arms sales need to be "commensurate" with the threat level, and the threat from China is "actually quite high."
He said, "First and foremost, we are not the aggressor. The People's Republic of China is the one sending all the planes and warships." He added, "They are the ones posturing intimidation. They are the ones trying to destroy our freedom and democracy in Taiwan."
In recent years, China has sent military aircraft and vessels near Taiwan almost daily and conducted numerous large-scale military exercises around the island.
Beijing views Taiwan as its core interest and criticizes forces supporting Taiwan's independence for causing instability in the Taiwan Strait. The Chinese Embassy in Washington did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Taiwan Diplomat: US Stance on Taiwan Has Not Changed
Hsiao emphasized that the US stance on Taiwan has not changed, and the Taiwanese government will respect the "rhythm" of the Trump administration's statements.
The arms sale has broad support in the US Congress, where lawmakers expressed concerns to Secretary of State Marco Rubio at a hearing this month. Rubio reiterated that US policy toward Taiwan has not changed and that Washington will not "consult with China on these arms sales."
Rubio said of Beijing, "We understand their position. They always talk about this issue." He added, "These arms sales are not for negotiation, nor for consultation."
Rubio stated that the arms sale proposal is not shelved but under review, and the administration has other factors to consider.
Referring to reduced US weapons stockpiles during the war in Iran, Rubio said, "This includes the availability of stockpiles in the short term." Rubio said, "We have to balance this with our own procurement processes."
The Trump administration approved another $11 billion arms sale to Taiwan in December last year, including the High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) and howitzers.
Hsiao to Deal with Trump's Second Term
Hsiao arrived in Washington at the end of President Joe Biden's term in 2023. Biden has repeatedly stated that he would send troops to Taiwan if Beijing launched an attack.
Now, Hsiao is working to navigate the unpredictability of Trump's second term. After a fierce trade war with Beijing, Trump's second-term administration has adopted a more conciliatory tone towards Beijing.
Although Trump's disregard for the Reagan-era commitment not to consult with Beijing in advance on arms sales to Taiwan has drawn widespread attention, he has also indicated that he might call Taiwan's President Lai Ching-te, breaking a decades-long precedent of US presidents not directly speaking with Taiwanese leaders.
The Pentagon's National Security Strategy, released in January this year, stated that the US seeks to deter China through strength rather than confrontation. The strategy noted that the US would "build, deploy, and sustain a robust denial defense system" along a chain of islands, including Taiwan, to prevent China from accessing the broader Pacific region.
Hsiao attributes the seemingly contradictory messages to Trump's unconventional style but expressed confidence in Taiwan-US relations.
Hsiao said, "It is important to look at the actual actions, at what is actually happening, rather than just focusing on words." He added, "The US stick is still there." (Editor: Xu Jiayuan)
Source Link: https://www.rti.org.tw/news?uid=3&pid=215252
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