Taiwan President Lai Ching-te stated that his country’s efforts to safeguard its own security and maintain its democratic way of life should not be seen as a provocation against China. Speaking to the Taiwan Foreign Correspondents’ Club, Lai reiterated his desire for talks based on parity and respect with China.

US Arms Sales

Taiwan has been seeking a new US arms sale package, which it hopes can be approved soon. The country has been unnerved by comments from US President Donald Trump, who previously stated that he was considering whether to approve new arms sales for Taiwan, saying they were a very good negotiating chip with China.

Lai said the US security commitment to Taiwan has not changed, and that Taiwan must continue to strengthen its own defense capabilities. The country’s defense ministry has proposed a special defense package worth T$210 billion ($6.66 billion) for surveillance, coastal attack, and small unmanned surface drones.

Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.