Taiwan hopes US arms sale package can be approved soon, president says | South China Sea News
Taiwan President Calls for Dialogue with China, Urges U.S. to Approve Arms Sale
Published June 18, 2026
Taiwan President William Lai Ching-te expressed a strong desire for dialogue with China, framing it as a conversation based on “parity and respect.” Speaking to reporters at the Taiwan Foreign Correspondents’ Club in Taipei on Thursday, Lai emphasized that the future of Taiwan remains in the hands of its people.
“We reject unification with China,” Lai stated. “Our commitment to safeguarding national security and our democratic way of life should not be perceived as a provocation.”
Lai also voiced hope for swift approval of a proposed $14 billion arms sale from the United States. Taiwan relies heavily on U.S. support to deter potential military threats from China, which views Taiwan as part of its territory. Lai’s comments come amid rising tensions, as Beijing has increased military and diplomatic pressure on the island.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio noted last month that the arms sale was “under review,” complicating relations between Washington and Beijing. In recent weeks, a U.S. military official indicated that the sale may be temporarily paused to conserve munitions for ongoing operations in the Middle East.
Taiwan’s government has maintained that U.S. commitments to Taiwan remain steadfast, underlining the obligation to provide the island with defensive capabilities. Lai reiterated the importance of continued close communication with the U.S. regarding defense matters.
In recent months, Lai has advocated for increased defense expenditures. However, the Taiwanese parliament approved only two-thirds of a proposed $40 billion defense budget, cutting allocations intended for drones and domestically produced weaponry. On Thursday, Taiwan’s defense ministry announced a new proposal for a defense package valued at approximately 210 billion new Taiwan dollars, or $6.64 billion, focusing on surveillance and small unmanned surface drones.
Lai concluded by urging China to renounce the use of force and halt military activities in the Western Pacific, asserting that Taiwan’s commitment to its defense sends a clear message to the international community.
