Published On 5/18/2026
Taiwan President Lai Ching-te stressed that arms purchases from the United States are the “most important deterrent” to regional conflict and instability, after President Donald Trump questioned continued American support for Taiwan following his visit to China.
Lai Qing said in a statement yesterday, Sunday, that US arms sales to Taiwan and security cooperation between the two sides “are not only subject to the law, but are also a catalyst for regional peace and stability.”
He added, “We thank President Trump for his continued support for peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait since his first term, including the continued increase in the volume of arms sales to Taiwan.”
In an implicit response to the concerns raised by Trump with his statement about the “bargaining chip,” Lai said in his statement, “Taiwan will not provoke or escalate the conflict, but it will not give up its national sovereignty and dignity, or its democratic and free way of life, under any pressure.”
The Taiwan president also saw China as “the root cause of undermining regional peace and stability and trying to change the status quo.”
Trump’s skepticism
The statement by the President of Taiwan came days after Trump raised doubts about his willingness to continue selling weapons to the island of Taiwan, which China considers a secessionist province, with the condition that it will regain it by force if necessary.
The United States, like all countries with official relations with China, does not recognize Taiwan as a state, but it has been its strongest supporter and main supplier of weapons.
Washington is obligated under its laws to provide Taiwan with the necessary means to defend itself, and all threats facing the island are a source of grave concern.
In December, it approved a record weapons package for Taiwan worth $11 billion, including missiles, drones, artillery systems and military software.
In an interview with Trump, broadcast last Friday on Fox News, coinciding with the conclusion of his visit to China, he stated that he had not yet agreed to a new arms package for Taiwan worth $14 billion, and that the matter “depends on China,” adding that it is “a very good negotiating card for us, frankly.”
His statements raised concerns on the island, which the Taiwanese government sought to dispel, noting that the official US policy towards Taiwan had not changed.
As part of the American reaction to the Taiwan President’s statement, House Speaker Mike Johnson praised Lai’s statement, saying, “I think this was a logical statement from the Taiwan leader.”
Johnson added, “China cannot simply seize territory. We will stand firm in this position, and I am confident that Congress will do so.”
As for US Trade Representative Jameson Greer, he said that President Trump is “studying how to move forward” with arms sales to Taiwan, noting that previous US presidents have stopped sales in the past, and that Trump will need to study many factors.
“When the president makes a decision about national security, he is based primarily on America’s security needs,” Greer added.
During the recent talks between Chinese President Xi Jinping and Trump, China portrayed the Taiwan issue as “the most important issue in China-US relations.”
In one of his strongest statements to date, Xi – last Thursday – warned Trump of “confrontations and even conflicts” if the Taiwan issue is not properly addressed.
