Deputy Foreign Minister Francois Wu emphasized to reporters in Taipei that the United States’ provision of weapons to Taiwan and the island’s role in the global semiconductor supply chain are core American interests. Wu said maintaining military sales and ensuring Taiwan can defend itself without falling under Chinese rule are essential for U.S. security and prosperity.
Summit backdrop
President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping concluded a three‑day summit in Washington on Friday without major public breakthroughs on contentious issues, including Taiwan, which Beijing claims as its own territory. Xi urged the United States to adopt a “correct position” opposing Taiwan independence.
Wu questioned whether any concessions on Taiwan would truly benefit U.S. interests, reaffirming that continued arms sales and a robust semiconductor sector are critical.
Arms package details
The Trump administration approved an $11 billion arms sale to Taiwan in December, the largest ever, with a second package valued at roughly $14 billion under discussion. Wu noted that further delays could be considered, especially as Trump and Xi are slated to meet again at upcoming APEC and G20 summits.
“If we can get guarantees, that would be best,” Wu said. “What we can do now is prepare, communicate, and make requests as much as possible.”
U.S. diplomatic stance
U.S. ambassador to China David Perdue told CNBC there has been no change in U.S. Taiwan policy, including adherence to the 1979 Taiwan Relations Act, which mandates continued arms sales. Perdue added, “We want peace across the strait. We don’t want coercion. We don’t support independence and we think President Xi has gotten that message. President Trump has shown respect and listened to their side of that argument.”
Chinese reaction
China’s state newspaper, the People’s Daily, reiterated that Taiwan remains “the core of China’s core interests and the first unbreakable red line in China‑U.S. relations.”
Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
