Taiwan Leader Says Trump Increased Support During Tensions with China

(MENAFN) Taiwan's leader, William Lai Ching-te, emphasized that the Trump administration "strengthened" its support for the island, ensuring that aid was neither "stopped nor reduced."

In an interview with media, Lai pointed to a global consensus that peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait are crucial for global security. He highlighted that this sentiment has been echoed by the U.S. president, the Japanese prime minister, and leaders of the G7.

Lai’s remarks come as reports surfaced indicating U.S. discussions with Taiwanese officials ahead of China’s grand military display last week, commemorating the 80th anniversary of World War II's end and Japan’s surrender in 1945.

Earlier reports suggested that the Trump administration had denied Lai a stopover in New York on his way to Central America, where Taiwan maintains several diplomatic alliances. During his first term, Trump approved $18.3 billion in arms sales to Taiwan. However, the figure fell to $8.4 billion under former President Joe Biden.

Describing China's growing influence as a "threat" to global peace, Lai warned that Beijing seeks to replace the U.S.-led international order. He argued that China’s initiatives—including the Asia Infrastructure Investment Bank, the Belt and Road Initiative, and the push for yuan internationalization—are attempts to supplant democratic, rules-based global norms.

Beijing considers Taiwan a breakaway province, but Taiwan has consistently rejected that claim, asserting its sovereignty and independence since 1949.

Lai also detailed China’s expanding military activities. Beijing not only conducts exercises near Taiwan but also sends military vessels and aircraft into the broader East and South China Seas. Additionally, Chinese forces have been conducting joint drills with Russia near South Korea and Japan, and their aircraft carriers are operating well beyond the first island chain, reaching as far as the second and third island chains.

In a related move, Taiwan launched its own 1,000-tonne Coast Guard patrol vessel, the Hualien, in Keelung on Monday. The vessel was commissioned by Lai’s deputy, Hsiao Bi-khim, who stressed the importance of safeguarding peace. "Peace is never taken for granted— it must be safeguarded together," she stated, underscoring the need for Taiwan to bolster its defense capabilities to secure stable social and economic growth.

The Lai administration is prioritizing defense, with the newly announced fiscal year 2026 budget reflecting a 20.1% increase in defense spending, amounting to approximately $31.1 billion for the upcoming year.

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