A senior Taiwanese diplomat stated on Sunday that the United States fully comprehends Taiwan's defense requirements and the significant military threat it faces from China. This statement comes after a meeting between the US and Chinese presidents in Washington. Taiwan, which operates under a democratic system and is claimed by China as part of its territory, has been awaiting a new arms deal with the US worth around $14 billion.
The Taiwanese diplomat, Deputy Foreign Minister Chen Ming-chen, mentioned that the US is aware of the critical situation in the Taiwan Strait. Despite China's economic slowdown, Beijing continues to invest heavily in its military capabilities. Chen emphasized that the US understands Taiwan's determination to invest in its defense and that Washington is committed to providing Taipei with the necessary means to defend itself.
The US is legally bound to provide Taiwan with the means to defend itself. China has repeatedly called for the US to halt military sales to Taiwan. Last week, US President Donald Trump met with Chinese President Xi Jinping, but did not mention the pending arms deal. Trump had previously stated that he would temporarily suspend the deal after meeting with Xi in May.
Chen Ming-chen also referenced comments made by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who stated that military sales to any party require careful consideration. The diplomat stressed that Taiwan is in a precarious situation and that the US is aware of the island's determination to invest in its defense.
The US Ambassador to China, David Birdau, said on Friday that there has been no change in Trump's policy towards Taiwan, including military sales. Chen Ming-chen confirmed that Taiwan has received assurances from its US allies that Washington's policy towards Taipei remains unchanged.
Taiwan's government has consistently rejected China's claims of sovereignty, stating that the island's future should be determined by its people. China has repeatedly called for Taiwan to be reunified with the mainland, but has not ruled out the use of force to achieve this goal.
The situation in the Taiwan Strait remains tense, with China continuing to invest in its military capabilities and Taiwan seeking to bolster its defenses. The US has a long-standing commitment to providing Taiwan with the necessary means to defend itself, and it remains to be seen how the pending arms deal will affect the balance of power in the region.
Key points
- The US fully understands Taiwan's defense needs and the military threat it faces from China.
- Taiwan is awaiting a new arms deal with the US worth around $14 billion.
- The situation in the Taiwan Strait remains tense, with China continuing to invest in its military capabilities and Taiwan seeking to bolster its defenses.
