Taiwan's defence ministry has reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining close contact with the US to ensure the implementation of arms sales according to plan. The statement comes ahead of a meeting between US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping in Washington. Taiwan defence ministry deputy spokesperson Chiao Fu-chun said that the US government and Congress have expressed support for Taiwan's self-defence capabilities.
China views Taiwan as its own territory and has repeatedly demanded that the US halt arms sales to the island. Despite this, President Trump approved an $11 billion package for Taiwan in December, the largest ever. However, a second package worth $14 billion was put on hold in May after Trump's visit to Beijing. Chinese President Xi Jinping is expected to press Trump to halt sales during their meeting in Washington.
Taiwan's Premier Cho Jung-tai has expressed confidence in the future of relations with the US. He made the comments in the city of Kaohsiung, while Chiao Fu-chun spoke in southern Taiwan's Tainan during a media trip. Taiwan's government has rejected Beijing's sovereignty claims, saying that only the Taiwanese people can decide their future. The island has its own weapons development programme, covering everything from submarines and fighter jets to long-range missiles.
Taiwan's army recently showcased its new eight-wheeled armoured combat vehicle fitted with a 105mm gun during live fire exercises. The military also displayed some of its US-made weapons, such as Lockheed Martin-made HIMARS rockets. Taiwan routinely holds live fire drills and takes reporters to military bases to demonstrate its domestically made weapons' fighting abilities.
Taiwan President Lai Ching-te has embraced Trump's call for US allies to spend more on their defence. The US is Taiwan's most important arms supplier, and Taipei is working to enhance its self-defence capabilities. China's military operates around the island on an almost daily basis, and Beijing has never renounced the use of force to bring Taiwan under its control.
The meeting between Trump and Xi Jinping is expected to cover a range of issues, including bilateral relations and US arms sales to Taiwan. Taiwan's defence ministry is working to promote the implementation of arms sales according to plan, despite pressure from China. The island's government remains committed to defending its sovereignty and maintaining stability in the Indo-Pacific region.
Maintaining security and stability in the Indo-Pacific region is a common interest of democratic nations, according to Chiao Fu-chun. Taiwan will continue to work closely with the US Department of Defence to ensure the implementation of arms sales and enhance its self-defence capabilities. The island's relations with the US are expected to remain a key aspect of its defence strategy.
Key points
- Taiwan to maintain close contact with US on arms sales amid China tensions
- US approved $11 billion arms package for Taiwan in December
- China views Taiwan as its own territory and demands end to US arms sales
