Taiwan hopes US arms sale package can be approved soon, president says
Taiwan’s President William Lai Ching-te reiterates his desire for talks based on ‘parity and respect’ with China.

Taiwan’s President William Lai Ching-te reiterates his desire for talks based on ‘parity and respect’ with China.




![A swarm of drones lit up the evening sky near Taiwan’s Taipei 101 skyscraper in a dazzling display depicting a giant robot, a sports car, and Earth. The light show was part of Computex Taipei, one of Asia’s largest technology exhibitions. [Taiwan Computer Association/Reuters]](/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/image-1780437370.jpg?resize=770%2C513&quality=80)





Thousands rally in Taipei backing higher defence spending after US pauses $14 billion arms sale to Taiwan.
Critics of US, Philippine military cooperation say closely aligning with Washington makes Manila a possible target.

Taiwan fears a US pause on a $14bn arms package could weaken its defences and shake confidence in Washington’s support.
Acting Navy Secretary Hung Cao’s remarks come as US President Donald Trump gives mixed signals over the sale.
The US has reportedly paused a major arms deal with Taiwan, but Trump has said he may ‘speak’ to island’s leader.
US and Taiwan leaders have not spoken since Washington shifted diplomatic recognition from Taipei to Beijing in 1979.

Will Trump kill $14bn Taiwan arms deal?
President Lai says Taiwan’s future is up to its people as the island faces Chinese and US headwinds.
Lai says Taiwan will not provoke conflict with China, but will not forsake its dignity or democratic values.
Taiwan says it will maintain ‘status quo’ and deepen ties with the US after Trump meets with China’s Xi Jinping.