Trending Now - Taiwan's Lai Expresses Desire to Maintain US Arms Deals With Trump

WHO:

IJR - President Donald Trump plans to speak with Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te in the first dialogue between the presidents of the U.S. and Taiwan since 1979.

AP News - Taiwan President Lai Ching-te expressed his desire to communicate with U.S. President Trump.

ABC News - Lai Ching-te is the current President of Taiwan.

WHAT:

AP News - Lai stated he would tell Trump that Taiwan's increasing defense budget is a response to threats.

ABC News - Lai emphasized that arms purchases from the U.S. would be an essential means to safeguard the strait's stability.

AP News - Lai said he would roll out a $3.1 billion plan to accelerate the upgrading and transformation of small and medium-sized businesses and traditional industries.

AP News - Lai stated he would emphasize that peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait is crucial for global security, alleging China was the “destroyer” of the strait’s peace.

ABC News - Lai said he believes “only strength can bring peace.”

AP News - Lai added he looks forward to more cooperation between Taiwan and the U.S. and other democratic countries in promoting peace in the strait.

AP News - Lai announced a $3.1 billion plan to accelerate the upgrading and transformation of small and medium-sized businesses and traditional industries.

AP News - Lai stated he would roll out a $3.1 billion plan to accelerate the upgrading and transformation of small and medium-sized businesses and traditional industries.

ABC News - Lai emphasized that Taiwan's increasing defense budget is a response to threats, and he believes “only strength can bring peace.”

AP News - Lai stated, “No country has the right to annex Taiwan,” emphasizing that “democracy and freedom should also not be seen as provocation.”

ABC News - Lai said, “Taiwan’s future cannot be decided by external forces, nor can it be hijacked by fear, division, or short-term interests.”

AP News - Lai stated he hopes to continue U.S. arms purchases, calling them essential for peace.

ABC News - Lai emphasized that Taiwan's increasing defense budget is a response to threats.

AP News - Lai announced a $3.1 billion plan to upgrade small and medium-sized businesses and traditional industries.

ABC News - Trump approved a record-breaking $11 billion arms package to Taiwan in December.

ABC News - Trump mentioned a potential new $14 billion arms package to Taiwan, contingent on China.

WHERE:

AP News - The statements were made in Taipei, Taiwan.

ABC News - The discussions regarding arms deals involve the U.S. and Taiwan.

WHEN:

AP News - Lai is marking two years in office, indicating the halfway point of his term.

ABC News - Trump’s approval of the $11 billion arms package occurred in December.

WHY:

AP News - Lai is under growing pressure from China, which sees Taiwan as a breakaway province to be retaken by force if necessary.

AP News - Lai alleged that China was the “destroyer” of the strait’s peace.

AP News - Lai believes that peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait are crucial for global security.

ABC News - Lai stated that “only strength can bring peace” in response to threats from China.

HOW:

AP News - Lai expressed a desire for more cooperation between Taiwan and the U.S. and other democratic countries in promoting peace in the strait.

AP News - Lai plans to engage in healthy and orderly exchanges with China under principles of equality and dignity.

ABC News - Lai firmly rejects tactics that “package unification as peace.”

(UPDATED May 21, 2026 16:10 UTC)

Taiwan's Vice President Lai has announced plans to discuss with Trump the island's increasing defense budget, which he says is a direct response to threats from China. He emphasized that arms purchases from the U.S. are crucial for maintaining stability in the Taiwan Strait and revealed a $3.1 billion initiative aimed at transforming small and medium-sized businesses and traditional industries. Lai also expressed a strong desire for enhanced cooperation between Taiwan and the U.S., along with other democratic nations, to promote peace in the region.

(UPDATED May 21, 2026 10:10 UTC)

Taiwan's Vice President Lai has emphasized the importance of peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait for global security, labeling China as the "destroyer" of that peace. He believes that "only strength can bring peace" and looks forward to increased cooperation between Taiwan, the U.S., and other democratic nations to promote stability in the region. Additionally, Lai announced a significant $3.1 billion plan aimed at upgrading and transforming small and medium-sized businesses and traditional industries in Taiwan.

(UPDATED May 21, 2026 08:13 UTC)

Taiwan's Vice President Lai has announced a substantial $3.1 billion plan aimed at upgrading and transforming small and medium-sized businesses as well as traditional industries. He underscored that Taiwan's increasing defense budget is a necessary response to threats, asserting that “only strength can bring peace,” while also labeling China as the “destroyer” of peace in the Taiwan Strait. Additionally, Lai expressed a desire for enhanced cooperation between Taiwan and the U.S. along with other democratic nations to promote stability in the region.

(UPDATED May 20, 2026 23:23 UTC)

President Trump is set to speak with Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te, marking the first dialogue between the leaders of the U.S. and Taiwan since 1979. In his remarks, Lai emphasized that “no country has the right to annex Taiwan,” and he asserted that “democracy and freedom should also not be seen as provocation.” He also expressed a desire for increased cooperation between Taiwan and the U.S. and other democratic nations to promote peace in the strait.

(UPDATED May 20, 2026 17:59 UTC)

Taiwan President Lai Ching-te has expressed his desire to communicate with President Trump, emphasizing the importance of continuing U.S. arms purchases, which he deems essential for peace amid rising threats. In a significant announcement, Lai revealed a $3.1 billion plan aimed at upgrading small and medium-sized businesses and traditional industries, while also marking his halfway point in office. He believes that peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait are vital for global security and plans to engage with China under principles of equality and dignity, firmly rejecting any tactics that misrepresent unification as peace.