Taiwan has sent a clear signal to US President-elect Donald Trump that it is serious about strengthening its defense capabilities, AFP reported today, November 14.
Taiwan , which has increased defense spending in recent years, is under pressure to do more.
Taiwanese leader Lai Ching-te visits a military base in Taoyuan City, Taiwan on October 18.
US President-elect Donald Trump raised alarm during his campaign by suggesting that Taiwan should pay the US to defend the territory. The US is Taiwan's most important supporter and largest arms supplier.
"Our commitment to strengthening our own defense capabilities will only get higher, not lower," a senior Taiwanese security official said this week on condition of anonymity, according to AFP.
"Although we do not have any list (of arms purchase plans) with the Trump team, progress or new discussions... Taiwan is very willing to have further discussions with like-minded partners, especially the United States, on how to strengthen Taiwan's self-defense capabilities," the official stressed.
US-Taiwan relations warmed during Mr Trump's first term as he clashed with China over issues such as trade and national security.
As Taiwan's president, Tsai Ing-wen had an unprecedented phone call with Trump after his 2016 victory, a move that angered Beijing, and Trump also stepped up arms sales to Taiwan.
Trump threatens to raise tariffs if China 'invade Taiwan'
Taiwan’s defense spending has increased by about 80 percent over the past eight years, the official said. Taiwan set aside a record $19 billion for defense spending in 2024, and next year’s budget will hit a new high as Taiwan seeks to cement a more flexible defense approach.
Taiwan is considering buying a large arms package from the United States to demonstrate its seriousness in investing in its own defense capabilities, the Financial Times reported on November 11. Taiwan is considering asking the United States to sell it F-35 stealth fighter jets.
Source: https://thanhnien.vn/dai-loan-muon-chung-to-voi-ong-trump-ve-no-luc-cung-co-phong-ve-1852411141436131.htm
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