Taiwan’s president defends US arms purchases that Trump called 'bargaining chip'
Taiwan's president has defended the island's arms purchases from the United States, emphasizing their importance for regional stability. This statement follows President Trump's comments questioning U.S. support for Taiwan after his visit to China. Taiwan maintains that it will not compromise its sovereignty while seeking to deter potential aggression from China.
- ▪Taiwan's president stated that U.S. arms purchases are crucial for regional stability.
- ▪Trump raised doubts about continuing arms sales to Taiwan, calling it a 'bargaining chip.'
- ▪Taiwan insists it will not relinquish its sovereignty under pressure from China.
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ABC NewsLiveVideoShowsGood Morning AmericaShopGMAInterest Successfully AddedWe'll notify you here with news aboutTurn on desktop notifications for breaking stories about interest? OffOnStream onTaiwan’s president defends US arms purchases that Trump called 'bargaining chip'Taiwan’s president says arms purchases from the United States are crucial for regional stability, after President Donald Trump questioned continued U.S. support for Taiwan following his visit to ChinaByThe Associated PressMay 17, 2026, 11:53 AM1:10FILE - In this photo released by the Taiwan Presidential Office, Taiwan's President Lai Ching-te speaks during a press conference on "Taiwan-U.S. Economic Prosperity Partnership" in Taipei, Taiwan on Feb. 3, 2026.
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