《TAIPEI TIMES》‘Stand with Taiwan,’ US senators say

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The US Capitol in Washington is pictured on May 14. Photo: Bloomberg

COMMON INTEREST: The Democrats said China presents a greater threat to US security than ever before as it continues its pressure campaign against Taiwan

By Hollie Younger / Staff writer, with CNA

US senators on Tuesday urged US President Donald Trump to “stand with Taiwan” and not let China influence US support for Taiwan’s defense, ahead of his planned meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping （習近平） in Washington.

“We can’t let President Xi leave stronger than when he arrived. That is not diplomacy, it’s weakness,” the senators said in a statement.

Xi is to visit the US until Friday, his first trip to New York in 11 years. They are reportedly expected to discuss arms sales to Taiwan, artificial intelligence and the conflict in Iran.

Seven US senators, all Democrats, signed the statement: Senate Foreign Relations Committee ranking member Jeanne Shaheen, Senate Committee on Defense Appropriations ranking member Chris Coons, Senate Committee on Appropriations Vice Chairwoman Patty Murray, Senate Committee on Armed Services ranking member Jack Reed, Senate Select Committee on Intelligence Vice Chairman Mark Warner, Elizabeth Warren and Andy Kim.

“The People’s Republic of China presents a greater threat to American security and prosperity than ever before,” the statement said, urging Trump to end China’s access to advanced chips and manufacturing equipment, press Beijing to stop supporting Russian President Vladimir Putin’s war in Ukraine and confront Xi on supplying resources to Iran.

“The Chinese military continues its pressure campaign against our vital democratic partner Taiwan as President Trump has retreated from longstanding security commitments,” it said.

Separately, Ministry of National Defense deputy spokesman Chiao Fu-chun （喬福駿） yesterday said Taiwan would continue to maintain close contact with the US to promote the implementation of arms sales according to plan.

Trump in December last year approved an US$11 billion package for Taiwan, the largest ever. However, after visiting Beijing in May, he said that a second US$14 billion package was being held in abeyance.

Xi is expected to press Trump to halt sales when the two of them meet in Washington this week.

Speaking to reporters in Tainan during a media trip, Chiao said that maintaining security and stability in the Indo-Pacific region was a “common interest of democratic nations.”

“The US government and Congress have repeatedly expressed their support for Taiwan’s ability to defend itself,” he added. “We will continue to maintain close contact with the US Department of Defense and continue to promote the implementation of arms sales according to plan.”

President William Lai （賴清德） has embraced Trump’s call for US allies to spend more on their defense.

While the US is Taiwan’s most important arms supplier, Taipei has its own weapons development programs, producing platforms from submarines and fighter jets to long-range missiles.

Washington’s policy toward Taiwan remains unchanged, US Department of State Chinese-language spokesman Jakob Lengacher told Voice of America in an interview.

Washington continues to support Taiwan’s meaningful participation in international organizations, including APEC, he said.

Lengacher reiterated that the US opposes unilateral changes to the “status quo” by either side of the Taiwan Strait and remains committed to maintaining peace and stability in the region.

Additional reporting by Reuters

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