Taiwan watching closely as Xi and Trump meet, hopes US will continue arms sales
TAINAN, Taiwan (AP) -- As China's Xi Jinping arrives in Washington to meet with U.S. President Donald Trump, Taiwan expressed confidence that U.S. arm
Taiwan has pledged to maintain close communication with the United States regarding arms sales, according to a defence ministry spokesperson. This statement comes as the US prepares to host a meeting with Chinese leaders in Washington. China regards Taiwan as part of its territory and has consistently demanded an end to US arms sales.
In December, US President Donald Trump approved a $11 billion package for Taiwan, the largest ever. However, he later indicated in May that a second, $14 billion package was being withheld. Chinese President Xi Jinping is anticipated to urge Trump to halt the sales during their upcoming meeting. Speaking to reporters in Tainan, Taiwan's deputy spokesperson Chiao Fu-chun emphasized that securing and stabilizing the Indo-Pacific region is a shared concern of democratic nations.
The US government and Congress have continuously supported Taiwan's right to self-defense, he added. Consequently, Taiwan will continue to maintain close contact with the US Department of Defense and work towards implementing arms sales as planned. Taiwan Premier Tsai Ing-wen expressed deep confidence in the future of relations with the US.
Despite being the largest arms supplier to Taiwan, the island nation also has its own weapons development program, which includes submarines, fighter jets, and long-range missiles. On Wednesday, Taiwan's military showcased its new eight-wheeled armored combat vehicle equipped with a 105mm gun, conducting live fire exercises to demonstrate the domestically manufactured weapon's combat capabilities.
The military also displayed some of its US-made weapons, such as Lockheed Martin-produced HIMARS rockets, though they were not fired. Regular live fire drills are conducted, and reporters are invited to observe exercises. China has never ruled out using force to regain control of Taiwan, and its military routinely operates near the island.
The Taiwanese government dismisses China's sovereignty claims, asserting that only the Taiwanese people can determine their destiny.
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