00:26China is increasing pressure.
00:28U.S. arms approval is still pending, and now Taiwan's president is making a direct appeal
00:36to Washington.
00:38Speaking at a press conference with the Taiwan Foreign Correspondents Club in Taipei on June
00:4418, 2026, President Lai Ching-Tei urged the U.S. to approve long-delayed arms purchases
00:53as soon as possible.
00:55He said he hopes to maintain close communication with the U.S. government and accelerate the
01:02approval process, stressing that these deals are not just about weapons, but about Taiwan's
01:09ability to defend itself.
01:10Lai stated that purchasing arms from the United States sends a clear message.
01:17Taiwan is willing to safeguard its own national security and share responsibility for regional
01:25defense.
01:26He emphasized that strengthening military capability is essential to deter conflict and maintain
01:34peace in the region.
01:35The statement comes at a time of heightened tension across the Taiwan Strait, with continued
01:42Chinese military activity and growing concerns over regional stability.
01:48A major U.S. arms package worth around $14 billion is currently under review, with delays linked to broader
01:58supply pressures and strategic priorities in Washington.
02:02Lai also pushed back against criticism from Beijing, saying Taiwan's defense efforts should not be seen as provocation.
02:12He maintained that Taiwan is not seeking conflict, but insists its future must be decided by its own people, through
02:21dialogue based on equality and respect.
02:24China, however, has strongly rejected the remarks, reiterating its position that Taiwan is part of its territory and calling
02:34such statements separatist.
02:37The U.S. has not issued a fresh response, but Taiwan continues to frame its partnership with Washington as central
02:45to regional stability.
02:47As tensions grow in the Indo-Pacific, Taiwan's message is clear.
02:52It wants weapons, not for war, but for deterrence.
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