Taiwan President Says Island Cannot Be Traded Away

Taiwan's president said the self-ruled democracy cannot be traded away. The statement came days after a planned $14 billion arms sale to Taipei was described as a bargaining chip with China.

President Lai Ching-te said on Sunday that Taiwan will never be "traded away" as he pressed the United States to keep selling weapons to the island democracy to maintain regional peace. The comments addressed ongoing discussions about defense support for Taiwan. Officials have not released further details on the timing or final terms of the proposed package.

Taiwan maintains separate governance from mainland China, which claims the island as its territory. The United States has supplied arms to Taiwan under previous agreements. Regional observers continue to monitor developments in defense cooperation between Taipei and Washington.