Taiwan hopes US arms sale package can be approved soon, president says
Taiwan’s President William Lai Ching-te reiterates his desire for talks based on ‘parity and respect’ with China.
![A swarm of drones lit up the evening sky near Taiwan’s Taipei 101 skyscraper in a dazzling display depicting a giant robot, a sports car, and Earth. The light show was part of Computex Taipei, one of Asia’s largest technology exhibitions. [Taiwan Computer Association/Reuters]](https://aljazeeranews.edgeone.app/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/image-1780437370.jpg?resize=770%2C513&quality=80)
Advertisement
Content Feed
From: NewsFeed
Thousands rally in Taiwan to boost defence spending amid China tensions
Thousands rally in Taipei backing higher defence spending after US pauses $14 billion arms sale to Taiwan.
Published On 23 May 2026
Some fear US-Philippines war games are drawing conflict closer to home
Critics of US, Philippine military cooperation say closely aligning with Washington makes Manila a possible target.
From: NewsFeed
Why has the US arms delay rattled Taiwan?
Taiwan fears a US pause on a $14bn arms package could weaken its defences and shake confidence in Washington’s support.
Published On 22 May 2026
US pausing $14bn arms sale to Taiwan due to Iran war, navy chief says
Acting Navy Secretary Hung Cao’s remarks come as US President Donald Trump gives mixed signals over the sale.
EXPLAINER
Trump’s mixed messaging on Taiwan – what we know
The US has reportedly paused a major arms deal with Taiwan, but Trump has said he may ‘speak’ to island’s leader.
Taiwan’s President Lai says he would be happy to speak with Donald Trump
US and Taiwan leaders have not spoken since Washington shifted diplomatic recognition from Taipei to Beijing in 1979.
From: Money Works
Will Trump kill $14bn Taiwan arms deal?
Will Trump kill $14bn Taiwan arms deal?
Published On 20 May 2026
Taiwan’s president says future will not be decided by ‘external forces’
President Lai says Taiwan’s future is up to its people as the island faces Chinese and US headwinds.
Taiwan not to give up ‘free way of life under pressure’: President
Lai says Taiwan will not provoke conflict with China, but will not forsake its dignity or democratic values.
In response to Trump, Taiwan says it is ‘sovereign and independent’
Taiwan says it will maintain ‘status quo’ and deepen ties with the US after Trump meets with China’s Xi Jinping.
