Taiwan Politics

Taiwan President Lai Ching-te says that if given the chance he would tell U.S. President Donald Trump he hopes to continue U.S. arms purchases that are essential for peace. Lai on Wednesday marked two years in office, the halfway point of his term. He made assurances that Taiwan's future would not be decided by external forces. Trump has recently raised concern about traditional U.S. support for the island. He says a new Taiwan arms package is a good bargaining chip with China. Chinese President Xi Jinping issued a strong warning during a Beijing summit with Trump last week, saying the “Taiwan question” is the most important issue between China and the U.S.