Taiwan President urges swift approval of $14 b US arms sale

Taiwan’s President William Lai Ching-te said on Thursday that he hopes a proposed $14 billion U.S. arms sale will be approved as soon as possible, while reiterating the island’s rejection of unification with China. Speaking to the Taiwan Foreign Correspondents Club in Taipei, Lai framed Taiwan’s military posture as defensive and not a provocation.

Lai stated that Taiwan’s efforts to safeguard its national security, maintain its democratic system, and reject rule by the Chinese Communist Party should not be seen as a challenge to China. He expressed a desire for dialogue with Beijing based on “parity and respect” but asserted that only the Taiwanese people can decide their future. Lai also called on China to renounce the use of force and said Taiwan’s arms purchases signal its willingness to defend itself.

The proposed U.S. arms package has been under review since at least May. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said earlier this month the deal was “under review,” noting the need to balance weapons stockpiles, which have been affected by the conflict with Iran. The sale is a frequent source of tension between Washington and Beijing, which claims Taiwan as its own territory and...