[Politics] High Hopes for Arms Sales, President: US Commitment to Taiwan's Security Unchanged
bellala 央廣2h ago
US President Trump recently stated that arms sales to Taiwan are a bargaining chip in negotiations with China, and the public is concerned about when the US will approve the $14 billion arms sale to Taiwan. President Lai Ching-te said today (18th) during a tea reception with foreign media that relevant arms sales are ongoing, and he can confirm that "the US commitment to Taiwan's security has not changed." The President emphasized that both Taiwan and the US share the same goal of strengthening security and accelerating Taiwan's self-defense capabilities, and Taiwan has high hopes for subsequent arms sales.
President Lai Ching-te held a tea reception with foreign media on the 18th. A reporter asked about the latest developments in US arms sales to Taiwan and when the $14 billion arms sale, which is awaiting approval, would be approved.
President Lai stated that relevant arms sales are currently in progress, and "I can confirm that the US commitment to Taiwan's security has not changed. Both sides also share the same goal of strengthening security and accelerating Taiwan's self-defense capabilities."
President Lai emphasized that foreign military procurement is one channel, and Taiwan's promotion of defense autonomy is another equally important channel. The key is that Taiwan's direction and pace in strengthening its own defense should not change. Taiwan will continue to maintain close contact with the US government and hopes that the arms purchase can be approved as soon as possible.
President Lai also said that for Taiwan, arms purchases from the US are not just about acquiring weapons, but also about conveying an important strategic message to the international community: that Taiwan is willing to defend its own national security, and at the same time, is willing to participate in collective defense and share responsibilities with the international community, thereby exerting a deterrent effect and achieving regional peace and stability.
Regarding whether to agree to split the $14 billion arms sale to Taiwan into smaller batches for prior approval, and whether he is concerned about Trump not approving the arms sale to Taiwan, President Lai reiterated that based on the government's current understanding, US policy towards Taiwan has not changed. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio also specifically emphasized during a congressional hearing that this batch of arms purchases is still under review and has not been stopped.
The President also explained that during Trump's first term, a total of $18 billion worth of weapons were sold to Taiwan, strengthening Taiwan's defense capabilities. Not long ago, $11 billion in arms sales were also approved. In other words, the arms sales under the Trump administration have basically met Taiwan's needs. Therefore, Taiwan has high hopes for subsequent arms sales, and he believes that as long as the US government conducts a thorough review, it should be approved. (Editor: Song Wanyuan)
Source Link: https://www.rti.org.tw/news?uid=3&pid=215316
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