Trump Considers $14 Billion Arms Sale to Taiwan, Plans Discussion with President Lai

Taipei: U.S. President Donald Trump stated on Friday that his administration is still deliberating over a proposed $14 billion arms sale to Taiwan and mentioned his intention to discuss the matter with Taiwan's President Lai Ching-te. Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, Trump was questioned about the decision on the arms package, to which he responded, "We're looking at that. Yeah. We're looking at that." When asked about his plans to speak with President Lai regarding the proposed sale, Trump affirmed, "I'll always talk to him."According to Focus Taiwan, Trump's comments come several weeks after a summit in Beijing where he met with Chinese President Xi Jinping and indicated that a decision regarding the arms package for Taiwan would be forthcoming. President Lai has expressed his intention to emphasize the importance of bolstering Taiwan's defense capabilities and acquiring U.S. weapons to safeguard Taiwan's security and ensure peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait, should he have the oppor tunity to converse with Trump.The proposed arms package is currently under review within the U.S. administration. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, during a congressional hearing earlier this week, clarified that the package is still progressing through the review process and has not been "paused." Rubio highlighted the significance of the proposed sale, noting its impact on the U.S. defense industry and future production capacity, necessitating thorough consideration.Rubio also emphasized that Washington does not involve Beijing in consultations regarding arms sales to Taiwan and affirmed that U.S. policy toward Taiwan remains unchanged.