Taiwan President Lai Ching-te says Taiwan’s future cannot be determined by “foreign forces” as tensions with China continue. Speaking on Wednesday, Lai rejects the idea that Taiwan’s direction could be shaped by external interests or used as leverage, adding that Taiwan will not allow its future to be “held hostage” by fear, division, or short-term concerns.
The comments come days after U.S. President Donald Trump suggested that arms sales to Taiwan could be used as part of negotiations with China. All reports note that Beijing claims Taiwan as part of its territory and has repeatedly threatened to seize it by force if necessary.
One outlet also reports that Lai links his position to defense policy, saying Taiwan plans to increase defense spending to deter war while refusing to trade away sovereignty or democracy. Another outlet reports that China criticizes Lai’s remarks, accusing Taipei of provoking confrontation. The reports collectively frame Lai’s statement as a response to the shifting U.S. debate on Taiwan arms while underscoring Taiwan’s position on sovereignty and its continued reliance on foreign security support.
