Taiwan’s Foreign Minister Lin Chia‑lung says Taipei remains confident in the stability of its relationship with the United States as President Donald Trump prepares for a closely watched summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing this week. The visit, set for Wednesday through Friday, is expected to feature Taiwan prominently, given Beijing’s longstanding claim over the self‑ruled island.
Speaking to reporters at parliament in Taipei, Lin said the government is closely monitoring the upcoming talks and remains in constant communication with Washington. He noted that US officials both publicly and through private channels have repeatedly assured Taipei that Washington’s Taiwan policy remains unchanged.
The United States is legally obligated to provide Taiwan with defensive support, and Secretary of State Marco Rubio recently underscored the need for stability across the Taiwan Strait. Washington has also urged Taiwan and its global allies to increase defence spending to deter growing regional threats.
However, Taiwan’s opposition‑controlled parliament last week approved a smaller special defence budget than the government had requested, prompting disappointment from US officials who believe the island needs stronger investment in its security. Lin urged lawmakers to take “remedial” action, stressing that a robust defence budget is essential for maintaining peace.
“Peace depends on strength it requires demonstrating the capability for self‑defence in order to deter aggression,” he said, warning that China is currently pursuing “military buildup and authoritarian expansion.”
As Trump’s Beijing visit approaches, Taipei is bracing for renewed geopolitical pressure but insists its partnership with Washington remains firm and stable.
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