Taiwan's Lai says he would tell Trump he hopes to continue arms purchases from U.S.
Taiwan President Lai Ching-te expressed his desire to continue arms purchases from the U.S. during a potential conversation with President Trump, emphasizing their importance for peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait. He reiterated that Taiwan's future should not be dictated by external forces, particularly in light of increasing pressure from China. Lai also highlighted Taiwan's commitment to democracy and its willingness to engage with China under principles of equality and dignity.
- ▪Lai hopes to continue U.S. arms purchases, calling them essential for peace.
- ▪He stated that Taiwan's future cannot be decided by external forces.
- ▪Lai plans to roll out a $3.1 billion initiative to upgrade small and medium-sized businesses.
2 outlets in our directory ran this story, first to last over 5 hours. All of the coverage we found sits in one bucket: lean left. That one-sidedness is itself worth noticing.
- ▪ Taiwan's Lai says he would tell Trump he hopes to continue arm purchases, if given a chance — ABC News — International
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Taiwan President Lai Ching-te said on Wednesday (May 20, 2026) that if given the chance he would tell U.S. President Donald Trump of his hope to continue U.S. arms purchases, which Mr. Lai called essential for peace, while offering assurances that the island's future would not be decided by external forces.Mr. Lai is marking two years in office, the halfway point of his term, under growing pressure from China, which sees Taiwan as a breakaway province to be retaken by force if necessary.Mr. Trump's recent narrative on Taiwan also raised concerns about U.S. traditional support for the island even without formal diplomatic ties.Mr. Lai said if he could talk to Mr.
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