TAIPEI – On Wednesday, Taiwan’s President Lai Ching-te expressed his desire to inform U.S. President Donald Trump of Taiwan’s intention to continue purchasing arms from the United States, which he considers vital to maintaining peace. Lai also reassured that the island’s future will not be influenced by external entities.
As Lai marks the midpoint of his presidency amidst escalating tensions with China, which views Taiwan as a renegade province, concerns have been raised regarding the U.S.’s commitment to supporting Taiwan, especially in light of Trump’s recent remarks.
Lai mentioned that if he had the opportunity to speak with Trump, he would stress the importance of peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait for global security. He accused China of being the “destroyer” of this peace.
In his hypothetical conversation with Trump, Lai would also highlight Taiwan’s increasing defense budget as a necessary response to threats, emphasizing that purchasing weapons from the U.S. is crucial to ensuring stability in the strait. He firmly believes that “only strength can bring peace.”
During a press briefing, Lai asserted, “No country has the right to annex Taiwan. Democracy and freedom should not be misconstrued as provocation.”
He further expressed hope for enhanced collaboration between Taiwan, the U.S., and other democratic nations to promote peace across the Taiwan Strait.
Last week, Chinese President Xi Jinping issued a strong warning to the U.S., telling Trump during their Beijing summit that the “Taiwan question” is the most important issue in ties between China and the U.S. and both nations will “have clashes and even conflicts” if the issue is not handled properly.
Trump already approved in December a record-breaking $11 billion arms package to Taiwan. In an interview aired Friday on Fox News, just as Trump wrapped up his visit to China, he said his approval of a new $14 billion arms package to Taiwan depended on China, describing it as “a very good negotiating chip.”
He later told reporters he needed to talk to the person who is running Taiwan, without naming Lai, who Beijing deemed a separatist.
In his speech Wednesday, Lai said democracy is not a gift from the sky.
“Taiwan’s future cannot be decided by external forces, nor can it be hijacked by fear, division, or short-term interests,” he said, without specifying who the external forces are.
He added that Taiwan was willing to engage in healthy and orderly exchanges with China under the principles of equality and dignity, but firmly rejects united front tactics that “package unification as peace.”
Beyond geopolitics, Taiwan is a major manufacturer of artificial-intelligence servers, computer chips and precision instruments. The AI boom has propelled Taiwan’s leading technology companies to record profits and revenues. But observers worry the island’s heavy reliance on computer chip makers and other technology companies carries risk if the AI craze becomes a bubble.
Lai said he would roll out a $3.1 billion plan to accelerate the upgrading and transformation of small and medium-sized businesses and traditional industries and to have the tech industries drive traditional sectors.
In Beijing, Zhu Fenglian, spokesperson for China’s Taiwan Affairs Office, told reporters that Lai’s Facebook statement on Sunday, which alleged China was the cause of changing the status quo, was filled with “lies and deception, hostility and confrontation,” according to Chinese official news agency Xinhua.
She accused Lai of stubbornly insisting on Taiwan independence and inciting cross-strait opposition and confrontation.
“(Lai) is the destroyer of the status quo of Taiwan’s strait,” Xinhua quoted her as saying.
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Leung reported from Hong Kong
