Trump considering Taiwan arms sale, reiterates willingness to speak with Lai Ching-te; Wall Street plunges on rate cut fears

President Donald Trump has signaled that the United States is considering a $14 billion arms sale to Taiwan. Responding to reporters aboard Air Force One, Trump stated, "We are considering this matter." He also reiterated his openness to speaking directly with Taiwan's President Lai Ching-te, saying, "I'll always talk to him." This comes as the U.S. House of Representatives' Armed Services Committee passed the National Defense Authorization Act for fiscal year 2027, which includes $1 billion for the "Taiwan Security Cooperation Initiative."

Meanwhile, global markets faced significant turbulence. Stronger-than-expected U.S. employment data for May dashed hopes for Federal Reserve interest rate cuts, triggering a widespread sell-off on Wall Street. The Philadelphia Semiconductor Index plunged over 10% on Friday, impacting overnight futures trading for the Taiwan Stock Exchange, which saw a record drop of 3,006 points. The Taiwan stock market is expected to face pressure from both spot and futures markets.

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We are considering this matter.

In a separate incident, a driver with prior drug-related offenses evaded a police check, crashing into and breaking the right leg of the head of the Puyan police sub-station. The driver, who tested positive for drugs, was released without bail by a judge for the second time, surprising law enforcement. Prosecutors plan to appeal the decision. This incident follows a previous instance where the same driver was released without bail after crashing while driving under the influence of drugs.

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I'll always talk to him.