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TAIPEI: Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te said on Sunday that Taiwan will never be “traded away” as he pressed the United States to keep selling weapons to the island democracy to maintain regional peace.
Lai’s comments came after US President Donald Trump suggested arms sales to Taiwan could be used as a bargaining chip with China, which claims the island is part of its territory and has threatened to seize it by force.
Trump wrapped up a state visit to Beijing on Friday where Chinese President Xi Jinping had pushed him not to support Taiwan, which depends heavily on US security backing to deter a potential Chinese attack.
“The United States’ continued arms sales to Taiwan and deepening of Taiwan-US security cooperation are not only necessary but also key elements in maintaining regional peace and stability,” Lai said in a statement on Facebook.
