The Foreign Ministry says that close cooperation with the United States has always been the cornerstone of peace across the Taiwan Strait and that Taiwan will continue to firmly defend the regional status quo and build effective deterrence capabilities. That came after U.S. President Donald Trump concluded his visit to China and said he would soon make a decision on a US$14 billion arms sale to Taiwan.

Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Hsiao Kuang-wei (蕭光偉) said on the evening of Friday, May 15, that the Foreign Ministry has taken note of Trump’s comments and that his administration has repeatedly reaffirmed that the United States’ long-standing and consistent policy toward Taiwan has not changed. He added that the current U.S. government has to date approved two arms sales to Taiwan and has worked together with Taiwan and regional partners to uphold peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait.

Hsiao said that effectively deterring Beijing is the key to ensuring regional peace and stability. That is why Taiwan’s most important mission is to remain committed to maintaining the status quo and demonstrating its resolve in self-defense. Hsiao added that U.S. arms sales to Taiwan are not only a security commitment enshrined in the Taiwan Relations Act, but also a joint deterrent against regional threats.