Published on

18/05/2026 - 5:50 GMT+2

Taiwan’s President Lai Ching-te stressed on Sunday that arms purchases from the United States are “the most important deterrent” of regional conflict and instability, after US President Donald Trump called into question continued support of Taiwan following his recent visit to China.

Trump already approved in December a record-breaking $11 billion (€9.5 billion) arms package to Taiwan including missiles, drones, artillery systems and military software.

In an interview with US broadcaster Fox News which aired on Friday, just as Trump wrapped up a high-stakes visit to China to meet with his counterpart Xi Jinping, he said he has yet to greenlight a new $14 billion (€12 billion) arms package to Taiwan and that it “depends on China.”