There is no new “stage of talks” with the United States at the moment for arms sales, Taiwan’s government said on Monday.
Taiwan Must Pay For Protection
The clarification came as the island is considering how best to respond to U.S. President-elect Donald Trump’s previous demands that Taipei pay for protection.
Trump, who won a second term as president last week, unnerved democratically governed Taiwan, which is claimed by China, by saying it should pay the U.S. for its defence.
It further said that Taiwan had taken away semiconductor business from America.
Trump has not elaborated on what he means.
People familiar with government thinking say that it could mean Taipei takes the demand seriously with large new arms deals early in his administration.
Statement By Taiwan’s Presidential Office
The Presidential office put out a statement responding to what it said were media reports that the government planned a large arms purchase from the United States.
The office stated that in the face of increasing Chinese military threats, Taiwan and its neighbours have continued to strengthen their defence deterrence.
This “demonstrates their determination to defend themselves on their own”, it said.
Period Of Consolidation
“There has been a period of consolidation and discussion between Taiwan and the United States on military needs, but there is no new stage of discussion at this time,” the presidency added, without elaborating.
Backlog Of Weapons
Taiwan, which rejects China’s sovereignty claims, has complained of a backlog worth some $20 billion of weapons it has previously ordered from the United States.
The United States is Taiwan’s most important international backer and arms supplier even in the absence of formal diplomatic ties.
No Defence Treaty
There is no no defence treaty between Taiwan and U.S., unlike in the case of Japan and South Korea.
(With inputs from Reuters)
Delhi based journalist pickled in journalism. Have reported from nine world capitals and almost all parts of India. Over the last three decades, I have worked for India’s mainstream English dailies and contributed to All India Radio, Doordarshan and Women’s Feature Service. Also worked for international media including Japan’s leading newspaper, The Asahi Shimbun and done assignments for The Sunday Times, London, The Telegraph, The Guardian and the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation. Worked in the Embassy of France in New Delhi and can speak French to save my life. Write on Diplomacy, Politics and the social sector. Love Nature, heritage, Nature, animals and vintage cars. Enjoy cycling and playing badminton.
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