TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Deputy Foreign Minister Chen Ming-chi (陳明祺) reiterated on Saturday that US arms sales to Taiwan are a cornerstone of regional peace and stability.
Chen said that senior US officials have repeatedly emphasized that Washington’s policy toward Taiwan has not changed, per Liberty Times. Taiwan’s position on arms procurement also remains the same, he said. Strengthening defense is fundamental to the nation’s survival, he added.
Chen did not disclose details of a proposed NT$442 billion (US$14 billion) US arms package for Taiwan but said the government will continue to communicate with the US regarding future arms sales, according to Liberty Times. He said the most important thing for Taiwan is to demonstrate its determination and willingness to defend itself and commit resources toward that goal. “That is the key.’
The package was approved in January, but has been delayed. More than a dozen US lawmakers have urged the Trump administration to proceed with the sale.
Regarding US President Donald Trump’s comment that suggested a potential phone call with President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) about arms sales, Chen said the US has not yet briefed Taiwan on the matter and that the foreign ministry will seek further confirmation. He noted that the comments were made during an impromptu conversation aboard an airplane, and that many details, including Trump’s true intent, require further clarification, Liberty Times reported.
In December 2016, then-President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) spoke by phone with Trump shortly after he was elected president. The two exchanged views and future policy priorities, including promoting domestic economic development and strengthening national defense, according to Liberty Times. Tsai expressed hope for stronger bilateral cooperation and communication.
The call lasted more than 10 minutes and marked the first time a Taiwan president and a US president-elect had spoken directly since the two countries severed diplomatic ties in 1979.
