Taiwan President Lai Ching-te US Arms Sales Security and China Tensions

Taiwan President Lai Ching-te said Taiwan’s efforts to protect its security and democratic system should not be seen as a provocation toward China. Speaking in Taipei to foreign correspondents, he repeated that only Taiwan’s people can decide their future and called for dialogue with China based on parity and respect.

Lai also said China continues to increase military and diplomatic pressure, adding that it is the main force changing the status quo in the Taiwan Strait. China, however, rejected his remarks and called Taiwan an inseparable part of its territory.

US Arms Sale Approval and Defence Expansion

Lai expressed hope that a new U.S. arms sale package for Taiwan will be approved soon, saying security cooperation with Washington remains steady. He stressed that Taiwan will continue strengthening its defence without slowing its military plans.

Taiwan has proposed a new NT$210 billion (about $6.66 billion) defence package focused on surveillance systems, coastal defence and drone development. This follows a broader push for increased military spending amid rising regional tensions.