Taiwan's Defense Minister Wellington Koo said on Tuesday that he is "cautiously optimistic" about U.S. arms sales after President Donald Trump stated he is still considering whether to proceed with new weapon deliveries to the island, which China claims as its own. This was reported by Reuters, according to UNN.
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Trump's meeting with Chinese leader Xi Jinping last week, where the Taiwan issue was a key topic, raised concerns in Taipei regarding the U.S. commitment to helping the island with its defense, especially amid intensifying Chinese military activity.
The publication notes that Taiwan's role as the world's leading manufacturer of advanced semiconductors means that any conflict could cause serious disruptions to the global economy.
The U.S. is legally obligated to supply Taiwan with weaponry, and in December, the Trump administration approved an $11 billion arms package—the largest in history. A second package of approximately $14 billion has not yet been officially approved.
Speaking in parliament, Koo stated that the U.S. has repeatedly emphasized that its policy toward Taiwan has not changed. He added that U.S. arms sales help maintain peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait in accordance with the 1979 Taiwan Relations Act.
According to him, the supply of weapons is an important "balancing factor" for maintaining peace and stability in the region. He also stated that it is China, not Taiwan, that repeatedly provokes and undermines the status quo in the strait.
Koo added that under current conditions, maintaining the arms supply channel is in the interest of the U.S., and Taiwan continues negotiations with Washington, remaining "cautiously optimistic."
Trump turns Taiwan arms sales into a bargaining chip in negotiations with China - NYT16.05.26, 13:30
Following the meeting with Xi Jinping, Trump also stated that U.S. arms sales are a "very good negotiating tool," which caused additional concern in Taipei.
The Chinese military operates near Taiwan daily and regularly conducts large-scale exercises. Recently, the Chinese Navy reported sending a carrier strike group to the Western Pacific for training.
Although Taiwan's President Lai Ching-te supports Trump's calls for increased defense spending, the opposition-controlled parliament recently approved only two-thirds of the $40 billion defense budget requested by the government.
The Taiwanese government is attempting to secure the remaining funds, while official Taipei rejects Beijing's sovereignty claims, emphasizing that only the island's residents can determine its future.
Taiwan's President defends purchase of US weapons following Trump's statements18.05.26, 00:14