Earlier this month, U.S. President Trump stated that providing weapons to Taiwan was an "excellent bargaining chip in negotiations with China," which appears to contradict Washington's decades-long policy, as U.S. policy and laws require arms sales to Taiwan.
At the time, Taiwan sought to downplay Trump's remarks, with Lai Qingde stating that this sale was "the most crucial deterrent against potential conflicts in the region."
Following Trump's recent statement suspending arms sales to Taiwan, Acting U.S. Navy Secretary Sean O'Keefe confirmed the "suspension" of arms sales during a hearing before the Senate Appropriations Defense Subcommittee on Thursday.
The Taiwan authorities stated they were unaware of any changes in arms sales after a senior U.S. official mentioned the suspension.
Original: toutiao.com/article/1865929400434695/
Statement: The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author.