TAINAN, Taiwan — Taiwan will continue working closely with the United States to ensure approved arms sales move forward, a defense ministry official said Wednesday ahead of a meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping.
China claims Taiwan as its territory and has repeatedly demanded that Washington stop selling weapons to the island.
Taiwan’s defense ministry said continued security and stability in the Indo-Pacific are in the common interest of democratic nations.
Speaking to reporters in Tainan, Defense Ministry Deputy Spokesperson Chiao Fu-chun said Washington and the U.S. Congress have consistently supported Taiwan’s ability to defend itself.
“Therefore, we will continue to maintain close contact with the US Department of War and continue to promote the implementation of arms sales according to plan,” Chiao said.
Taiwanese officials are closely watching the upcoming Trump-Xi meeting, where arms sales to Taiwan are expected to be among the sensitive issues discussed.
Trump approved an $11-billion arms package for Taiwan in December—the largest ever approved for the island. However, he said in May that a second package worth about $14 billion had been placed on hold.
Xi is expected to press Trump to suspend additional arms sales when the two leaders meet in Washington.
Taiwan Premier Cho Jung-tai separately said he remained confident about the future of relations with the United States.
Taiwan President Lai Ching-te has also supported Trump’s call for U.S. allies to increase defense spending.
TAIWAN SHOWCASES WEAPONS
Although the United States remains Taiwan’s most important arms supplier, Taipei is expanding its own weapons-development programs.
Taiwan is developing military equipment ranging from submarines and fighter jets to long-range missiles.
The Taiwanese army on Wednesday displayed a new eight-wheeled armored combat vehicle equipped with a 105-millimeter gun. The vehicle was tested during live-fire exercises to demonstrate its capabilities.
The military also displayed, but did not fire, U.S.-made weapons, including HIMARS rocket systems manufactured by Lockheed Martin.
Taiwan regularly conducts military drills and invites reporters to observe exercises and visit military facilities.
China has never ruled out using force to bring Taiwan under its control. Its military operates around the island almost daily.
Taiwan rejects Beijing’s sovereignty claims and maintains that only the people of Taiwan can decide the island’s future.
