Taiwan’s representative in the United States has stressed the island’s need to continue purchasing American weapons to bolster its self-defence capabilities, as military pressure from China intensifies across the region.
Alexander Yui Tah-ray, who heads the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in Washington, said Taiwan is actively working to increase defence spending and improve military readiness, while reaffirming that US policy towards Taiwan remains unchanged.
“We need those arms for defensive purposes,” Yui Tah-ray said in an interview with The Associated Press on Wednesday. He added that Taiwan is trying to raise its defence budget and strengthen its ability to respond to crises. “We’re trying to increase our defence expenditure. We try to increase our ability to defend ourselves better and survive times of crisis.”
His remarks come as a proposed $14 billion US arms package for Taiwan remains under review, creating uncertainty in Taipei. The issue has drawn renewed attention after President Donald Trump said following a visit to Beijing in May that he had discussed the deal extensively with Chinese President Xi Jinping. The package has not yet moved forward under the current administration, despite earlier approval from senior lawmakers. Trump has described it as a potential “very good negotiating chip” in US-China relations.
Under US law, Washington is obligated to provide Taiwan with sufficient defensive equipment to deter possible aggression from China, which views the island as part of its territory and has not ruled out the use of force for reunification. Beijing continues to oppose US arms sales to Taiwan.
Yui Tah-ray emphasised that Taiwan cannot depend entirely on external assistance for its security. “This is our responsibility, so we will not wait and depend on the US cavalry to come and save us,” he said, noting that Taiwan is directly investing in US weapon systems to strengthen its defence posture.
He described China’s military activity near Taiwan as “very high,” citing near-daily deployments of warships and aircraft around the island.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has stated that Washington’s Taiwan policy remains unchanged and confirmed that arms deals are not negotiated with Beijing. He also noted that the proposed package is still under review due to concerns about US weapons stockpiles following global commitments.
A separate $11 billion arms package was approved in December, which included rocket systems and artillery equipment.
Despite ongoing tensions and shifting political rhetoric, Yui Tah-ray expressed confidence in the durability of US-Taiwan relations, stressing that practical policy actions matter more than statements. “The big stick is still there,” he said.
