China sets ‘red lines’ on Taiwan ahead of Xi-Trump summit

Taiwan is determined to maintain close communication with the United States regarding arms sales, according to a defense ministry official, as a significant diplomatic meeting approaches. The official's statement came as China's President Xi Jinping prepares to meet with US President Donald Trump in Washington, where the Chinese leader is anticipated to urge the American president to cease arms sales to Taiwan.

In December, President Trump authorized a $11 billion arms package for Taiwan, the most substantial single package ever. However, after his visit to Beijing, Trump announced in May that a subsequent $14 billion package would be delayed. During a recent trip to Tainan, Taiwan's Deputy Defense Ministry Spokesperson Chiao Fu-chun emphasized the importance of security and stability in the Indo-Pacific region, a shared concern among democratic nations.

He further highlighted that the US government and Congress have consistently demonstrated their backing for Taiwan's right to self-defense. The Taiwanese President, Lai Ching-te, has endorsed Trump's call for allies to bolster their defense capabilities. Despite Taiwan relying heavily on the United States for arms, the island nation possesses its own weapons development program, encompassing a wide range of military equipment, from submarines and fighter jets to long-range missiles.

On Wednesday, the Taiwanese military showcased its latest eight-wheeled armored combat vehicle, equipped with a 105mm gun, engaging in live-fire exercises to exhibit the capabilities of this domestically produced weapon. The military also displayed some US-made weapons, like Lockheed Martin's HIMARS rockets, though these were not fired during the demonstration.

Taiwan's military regularly conducts live-fire drills and invites journalists to witness these exercises firsthand. It is important to note that China has never ruled out the use of force to secure control over Taiwan, and its military routinely operates in the vicinity of the island. Taiwan's government adamantly rejects Beijing's sovereignty claims, asserting that the Taiwanese people alone have the authority to determine their nation's destiny.