Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te asserted that foreign forces cannot decide the future of the democratic island. This statement follows suggestions from US President Donald Trump that arms sales to Taiwan could serve as leverage or a bargaining chip in negotiations with China. Such remarks have sowed uncertainty regarding vital US support for the island.
The Trump administration is currently considering a $14 billion weapons sale to Taiwan, a potential deal that has drawn criticism from China. Beijing claims Taiwan as its territory and has threatened to seize the island by force.
President Lai defended Taiwan's sovereignty and expressed his hope to continue US arms purchases, stating they are essential for peace. In an effort to ease President Trump's worries about a conflict erupting, Lai has portrayed Taiwan as a steady hand in its face-off with China. President Trump has indicated that he will speak to President Lai as the administration considers whether to move ahead with the arms sale.