Still Planning to Discuss Arms Sales with President Lai? Trump: "I'll Always Talk to Him"

(CNA Reporter Hou Tzu-ying, Washington, 5th) US President Donald Trump previously stated after his meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping that he would soon make a decision regarding a $14 billion arms sale to Taiwan, adding that he would speak with Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te. When asked by the media today whether he still plans to discuss arms sales with President Lai, Trump replied, "I'll always talk to him."

Donald Trump visited China in mid-May and met with Chinese President Xi Jinping. Following their meeting, Trump mentioned that he would soon decide on a new batch of arms sales to Taiwan and claimed he would speak with President Lai.

During a joint media interview on Air Force One today, when asked if a decision had been made regarding the $14 billion arms sale to Taiwan, Trump said, "We are considering it right now."

When reporters pressed further on whether he still plans to discuss arms sales with President Lai, Trump stated, "I'll always talk to him."

President Lai had previously remarked that if he had the opportunity to converse with Trump, he would emphasize that enhancing defense capabilities and military procurement from the US are necessary means to maintain Taiwan's security and the peace and stability of the Taiwan Strait, adding, "We hope this military purchase can continue."

Lai also said he would emphasize that peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait are essential elements for global security and prosperity, and that the Taiwanese government remains neither haughty nor humble, maintaining the status quo. He noted that Taiwan is a guardian of peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait, while China is the destroyer of it. (Editor: Tang Sheng-yang) 1150606