TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Tuesday said China is attempting to “confound right and wrong” by opposing US arms sales to Taiwan ahead of a planned meeting between US President Donald Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping.
Trump said Monday he plans to discuss US arms sales to Taiwan during his upcoming meeting with Xi, per Reuters. At a press conference Tuesday, MOFA Spokesperson Hsiao Kuang-wei (蕭光偉) responded to questions over whether such discussions would contradict the US Six Assurances to Taiwan, per CNA.
Hsiao said the ministry is closely monitoring US-China interactions and their impact on geopolitics and the economy. He added that Taiwan will maintain close communication with Washington to ensure stable and deepening Taiwan-US ties while safeguarding Taiwan’s interests.
Hsiao also welcomed recent remarks by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who twice publicly reaffirmed that US policy toward Taiwan remains unchanged. Rubio also emphasized the importance of peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait.
Addressing Trump’s comments, Hsiao said Taiwan remains in close contact with the US and noted that Trump has repeatedly reiterated support for Taiwan since returning to office, CNA reported. He added that Washington has continued implementing its long-standing Taiwan policy through concrete actions, including a previously announced US$11 billion (NT$347 billion) arms sale package.
Hsiao said democratic countries are increasingly concerned about Beijing’s escalating threats toward Taiwan and regional security, and that international support for peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait is growing. He said China continues opposing US arms sales to Taiwan and advancing “unreasonable and untenable” positions during bilateral talks with Washington in an attempt to “confound right and wrong,” according to CNA.
Hsiao said Taiwan, as a key hub in the defense of the first island chain and a critical driver of global economic prosperity, believes strengthening its self-defense capabilities is essential to preserving peace and prosperity. He added that Taiwan will continue deepening cooperation with the US to build effective deterrence and uphold peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait while demonstrating its commitment to defending the status quo.
