Taiwan’s President Lai Ching-te says U.S. arms purchases are “the most important deterrent” against regional conflict and instability, after U.S. President Donald Trump questioned whether Washington will continue supporting Taiwan. Lai makes the argument in a statement that emphasizes Taiwan’s security cooperation with the United States as being guided by law and as contributing to peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait. He also thanks Trump for continued support since Trump’s first term, including what Lai describes as continued increases in the scale and amount of arms sales. The comments follow days after Trump raised doubts about future U.S. arms sales to Taiwan. Trump has also said Taiwan could need to be retaken by force if necessary, a position that reflects heightened sensitivity around Taiwan’s status. The United States does not formally recognize Taiwan as a separate country, but it is widely described as Taiwan’s main security backer and arms supplier. The president’s remarks aim to reaffirm that U.S.-Taiwan defense ties remain central to deterring instability in the region.