Taiwan's Representative to U.S.: Arms Purchases Align with U.S. Interests, Reduce Chance of China Attacking Taiwan

WASHINGTON, May 21 (CNA) -- As U.S. President Donald Trump prepares to decide on a new batch of arms sales to Taiwan, Taiwan's representative to the U.S., Yu Tai-san, stated in an exclusive interview with U.S. media today that the possibility of a Chinese invasion of Taiwan is real. He added that Taiwan's ability to purchase weapons also aligns with U.S. interests, as a stronger Taiwan reduces China's opportunities to attack the island. Trump visited China last week and met with Chinese President Xi Jinping. After the Trump-Xi meeting, Trump indicated he would soon make a decision on new arms sales to Taiwan. Yu Tai-san recently gave interviews to several U.S. media outlets, discussing topics such as the Trump-Xi meeting, U.S.-Taiwan arms sales, and the situation in the Taiwan Strait. In an interview today with the conservative U.S. media 'Newsmax,' he stated that the possibility of China invading Taiwan is real, and China has been expanding its military capabilities for decades, with its military strength now second only to the United States. Taiwan faces numerous threats, which is why it needs to procure the most modern weapons possible to defend its security. He pointed out that the Chinese Communist Party views Taiwan as a problem because Taiwan's democratic system poses a threat to the CCP. Taiwan's existence shows the Chinese people that there is another option beyond the CCP's authoritarian rule, and it is a very good option. Additionally, Yu Tai-san stated that, given the experience of the Russia-Ukraine war, Taiwan needs to enhance its defense capabilities based on an asymmetric warfare strategy. The United States has always been Taiwan's primary source for external arms purchases, and Taiwan's ability to purchase weapons also aligns with U.S. interests, 'because a stronger Taiwan, in fact, reduces China's opportunities to attack Taiwan.' Regarding the Trump-Xi meeting, Yu Tai-san noted that it is good for both sides to hold talks and try to avoid any misunderstandings. However, 'as far as we know, President Trump had many issues he wanted to raise, but Xi Jinping kept talking about Taiwan.' Yu Tai-san also said: 'We have been informed that the United States firmly maintains its long-term stance on Taiwan.'