Taipei: The United States' top envoy to Taiwan has reaffirmed that Washington's long-standing commitments to Taiwan remain unchanged, despite recent remarks by U.S. President Donald Trump suggesting that arms sales to Taiwan could be used as a "bargaining chip" in negotiations with China.
According to Focus Taiwan, in a Fox News interview following his trip to China and meetings with Chinese President Xi Jinping, Trump mentioned he was considering whether to approve a $14 billion arms package for Taiwan. Trump indicated that the decision would depend on China, referring to the arms sales as a "very good negotiating chip."
Trump's comments appeared to contravene the U.S. Six Assurances to Taiwan, established during former President Ronald Reagan's administration in 1982, which included not consulting Beijing on arms sales to Taiwan. Trump suggested that Chinese President Xi Jinping had raised the topic, questioning why he should refrain from discussing it due to the 1982 agreement.
In response to Trump's remarks, American Institute in Taiwan (AIT) Director Raymond Greene told CNA in a written interview that U.S. policy towards Taiwan remains consistent, as clearly communicated to China. Greene highlighted that this policy, which includes the Three Communiqu©s, the Taiwan Relations Act, and the Six Assurances, has been upheld by U.S. administrations from both parties and has maintained peace across the Taiwan Strait for nearly five decades.
Greene noted that the recent Trump-Xi meeting in Beijing was beneficial for Washington and that establishing a stable framework for bilateral relations would enhance regional security, including in the Taiwan Strait. He emphasized that the U.S. does not view stable U.S.-China relations and a strong U.S.-Taiwan partnership as mutually exclusive.
Greene also expressed the U.S.'s support for Taiwan President Lai Ching-te's commitment to cross-strait dialogue and maintaining the status quo. He urged Beijing to reciprocate by engaging with Taiwan's democratically elected leaders without preconditions and reducing military pressure around Taiwan.
Regarding the Legislative Yuan's passage of a special defense budget for U.S. weapons systems, Greene described it as an important step towards meeting Taiwan's defense needs. He expected the Legislative Yuan to secure quick funding for other requested capabilities, including drones and integrated air and missile defense.
On the topic of Kuomintang (KMT) chairwoman Cheng Li-wun's planned U.S. trip, Greene mentioned that American lawmakers and scholars were eager to meet her and discuss the KMT's political orientation and stance on key issues. Greene observed that while some view the KMT as a centrist party balancing defense and cooperation with the U.S. and engagement with Beijing, recent reports suggest the KMT may be aligning with CCP positions.
Greene concluded that Cheng's visit would be an opportunity to address these concerns and clarify the KMT's stance on investments in Taiwan's defense industrial base. As the director of the AIT, Greene represents the U.S.'s unofficial diplomatic presence in Taiwan.