"Hurry the $14 Billion Arms Deal"... Taiwanese President Urges U.S. for Swift Action

"Will Maintain Close Communication with U.S. Government"
"U.S. Security Commitment Remains Unchanged"

Pro-U.S. and pro-independence Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te has urged the U.S. government to swiftly approve the planned sale of American weapons, currently under review, worth $14 billion (approximately KRW 21 trillion).

According to Taiwanese media outlets such as China Times on the 19th, President Lai made this statement the previous day during the "2026 Presidential-Foreign Correspondents Tea Gathering" held ahead of the Dragon Boat Festival holiday.

On the 18th, Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te attended a briefing with foreign correspondents in Taipei. Photo by AFP Yonhap News.

President Lai stated that the arms sale proposal is currently in progress. He added, "The United States' security commitment to Taiwan remains unchanged, and both sides agree on the goal of strengthening security and accelerating Taiwan's self-defense capabilities." He also expressed hope that "the arms sale proposal will pass quickly following a detailed review by the U.S. government."

He particularly emphasized that improving Taiwan's self-defense capabilities is an essential measure for safeguarding its sovereignty. He elaborated that both procuring foreign military equipment and advancing Taiwan's independent defense initiatives are crucial, underlining that the direction of strengthening Taiwan's defense capabilities is irreversible and cannot be delayed.

President Lai reiterated his intention to maintain close communication with the U.S. government to ensure the prompt conclusion of the arms sale proposal. He further noted that the acquisition of American military equipment goes beyond simply obtaining weapons. The purchase sends a significant strategic message to the international community: Taiwan is determined to safeguard its own security, establish deterrence beyond collective defense and burden-sharing, and thus contribute to regional peace and stability.

Some foreign media outlets expressed concerns that U.S. President Donald Trump may not ratify the arms sale proposal. In response, President Lai stated, "As far as I know, nothing has changed so far." He also stressed that on June 2, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio testified before a Senate hearing that the $14 billion arms sale proposal has not been halted but is still under review.

Previously, after the U.S.-China summit, President Trump said in a Fox News interview aired on the 15th of last month that he "has not yet approved" additional arms sales to Taiwan, adding, "I may approve it, or I may not." President Trump stated that he prefers the "status quo" regarding Taiwan and does not want war, explaining, "I do not want a situation where someone says, 'Let’s declare independence because America is supporting us.'"

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.