TAIPEI: Taiwan’s president said Thursday he hoped the United States would approve a $14 billion arms sale “as soon as possible,” reiterating that the democratic island “rejects unification” with China. Taipei relies heavily on Washington’s support to counter growing pressure from Beijing, which claims Taiwan as part of its territory and has not ruled out seizing it by force. “We hope that the arms purchases can be approved as soon as possible,” President Lai Ching-te told reporters in Taipei.

Taiwan's President emphasizes self-defense and hopes for U.S. arms sales approval amidst rising China tensions.

Taiwan's president said Thursday he hoped the United States would approve a $14 billion arms sale "as soon as possible", reiterating that the democratic island "rejects…