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US security commitment to Taiwan unchanged, Lai expects future arms sales approval

From Liberty Times · () Chinese

Translated from Chinese, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Sources not specified Context piece
  • Taiwan's President Lai Ching-te affirmed that the U.S. security commitment to Taiwan remains unchanged.
  • He expressed confidence in future arms sales, noting that past sales under President Trump met Taiwan's needs.
  • Lai emphasized that Taiwan is committed to strengthening its self-defense capabilities and maintaining regional peace through collective security efforts.

President Lai Ching-te has reassured the international community that the United States' security commitment to Taiwan has not wavered. Speaking with international media, Lai addressed concerns over potential impacts on arms sales following President Trump's remarks about using pending sales as negotiation leverage.

Lai confirmed that arms sales processes are ongoing and stated, "I can confirm that the U.S. security commitment to Taiwan has not changed." He highlighted that Trump's previous administrations had consistently met Taiwan's military needs through arms sales, expressing optimism for future procurements. He noted that the U.S. State Department had testified that the current $14 billion arms sale package remains under review, not halted.

I can confirm that the U.S. security commitment to Taiwan has not changed.

— Lai Ching-tePresident Lai Ching-te addressing international media regarding U.S. security commitments.

The president stressed that acquiring arms from the U.S. is one channel for enhancing Taiwan's defense, while developing indigenous defense capabilities is another, both equally vital. He underscored that Taiwan's direction and pace in bolstering its self-defense must not slow down. Taiwan is maintaining close communication with the U.S. government to expedite the approval of military purchases.

Trump's previous administrations had consistently met Taiwan's military needs through arms sales.

— Lai Ching-tePresident Lai Ching-te expressing confidence in future arms sales based on past transactions.

Lai further explained that U.S. arms sales convey a strategic message: Taiwan is willing to protect its own security and contribute to collective international defense and burden-sharing, thereby enhancing deterrence and promoting regional peace and stability. He reiterated his confidence that the U.S. government, after thorough review, will likely approve the pending sales, citing previous successful sales totaling $18 billion and another $11 billion.

He also mentioned that Taiwan's pursuit of defense autonomy is crucial, emphasizing that the island's commitment to strengthening its defenses is unwavering. This commitment, he believes, reassures allies and deters potential adversaries, contributing to a more stable Indo-Pacific region.

Taiwan is willing to protect its own security and contribute to collective international defense and burden-sharing.

— Lai Ching-tePresident Lai Ching-te explaining the strategic message conveyed by U.S. arms sales.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Liberty Times in Chinese. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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