Taiwan thanks US for its support ahead of Trump-Xi summit

Taiwan expressed gratitude to the United States for its support as the two nations prepare for a summit between President Donald Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping in Washington. China views Taiwan as its own territory and has warned that the US must not support its independence, viewing this as a red line. Despite lacking formal diplomatic ties, the US remains Taiwan's most important international backer and weapons supplier.

Xi arrived in Washington on Wednesday, setting the stage for their summit on Thursday. Taiwan's cabinet spokesman, Michelle Lee, said the government has been closely monitoring the situation and maintaining close communication with the US. The US has repeatedly affirmed its support for Taiwan. While a US$11 billion arms package for Taiwan was approved in December, a second package worth around US$14 billion has been delayed.

After a May summit in Beijing with Xi, Trump said he was holding back the second package, describing it as a "very good negotiating chip." During a recent press conference in New York, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that the administration must balance its support for Taiwan with global considerations. He explained that selling weapons would limit the US's own inventory, potentially impacting future capabilities.