Taiwan says it is in continuous talks with US about arms sales

Taiwan is currently engaged in ongoing discussions with the United States regarding arms sales, according to Taiwan's Defense Minister Wellington Koo. Following the recent Washington summit between US and Chinese leaders, Koo stated that Taiwan has received assurances from the US that its policy towards Taiwan remains unchanged.

Despite China's repeated calls for an end to arms sales to Taiwan, the island relies heavily on the US for its international backing and weapons supplies due to the lack of formal diplomatic ties. In May, amidst a Beijing visit, US President Donald Trump held off on releasing a $14 billion weapons package for Taiwan. However, after meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Washington, Trump only affirmed that Xi understood his stance on Taiwan.

During a press conference in Taipei, Koo emphasized that the government has continuously received explanations from the US side regarding the stability of US policy towards Taiwan. With regards to current military sales cases, Koo mentioned that ongoing negotiations with the US are taking place, each requiring concrete cooperation. So far, Koo has not received any notifications of policy changes.

One significant delay in these arms sales is the 2019 order for 66 Lockheed Martin F-16V fighter jets, which are equipped with advanced avionics, weapons, and radar systems to better counter the Chinese air force, including its stealth J-20 fighters. Currently, the first two F-16Vs are being prepared for delivery in Hawaii, but Koo declined to comment on the exact delivery schedule, citing production progress that has reached a stage where delivery is feasible. However, compensation measures are being considered due to the delay.

Koo reaffirmed that the United States, under the 1979 Taiwan Relations Act, is obligated to provide Taiwan with the means to defend itself. Taiwan's democratically elected government firmly rejects China's claims to sovereignty over the island.