Taiwan Expresses Confidence in Continued US Arms Sales Amidst Xi-Trump Meeting
Taipei remains optimistic about defense support from Washington despite Beijing's pressure, as Chinese President Xi Jinping visits the U.S. to meet President Donald Trump.
Taiwan is maintaining confidence that arms sales from the United States will persist, even as China exerts pressure and President Xi Jinping visits Washington to meet with U.S. President Donald Trump. China has previously urged Washington to halt arms sales to Taiwan, a self-ruled democracy that Beijing claims as its own territory.
During a summit in Beijing in May, China notably pressed the U.S. on arms sales. Following that meeting, the U.S. paused a significant $14 billion arms package, with President Trump describing such sales as a "very good negotiating chip" with China. However, Taiwan's Ministry of Defense spokesperson, Maj. Gen. Chiao Fu-chun, stated that the U.S. government and Congress have consistently supported Taiwan's self-defense capabilities. "We will continue to maintain close contact with the U.S. Department of War and continue to push forward the arms procurement deal between Taiwan and the U.S., ensuring it proceeds as planned," Fu-chun told reporters.
The U.S. is legally obligated to provide Taiwan with the means for self-defense. Although the U.S. does not officially recognize Taiwan as an independent country, it serves as the island's most significant informal supporter and arms provider. In December, Washington approved an additional $11 billion package for Taiwan.
In preparation for potential challenges and to bolster its own defense capabilities, Taiwan's military conducted live-fire drills featuring a domestically developed armored vehicle, The Cheetah, just hours before Xi's arrival in the U.S. for a three-day state visit. This vehicle, designed with an eight-wheeled chassis, can be equipped with a 105-millimeter cannon and has a top speed of approximately 100 kph (62 mph) with an operational range of about 500 kilometers (311 miles). Maj. Gen. Chen Chien-chung indicated that the vehicle is adaptable to various terrains and suitable for urban warfare.
President Trump has previously encouraged Taiwan to increase its defense budget. Taiwan's President Lai Ching-te has committed to increasing the defense budget to exceed 3% of the island's gross domestic product by 2027, with a further goal of reaching 5% by 2030.