Trump Suspends $14 Billion Taiwan Arms Delivery After Beijing Meeting

Trump described the arms package as a "negotiating chip" in a Fox News interview at the end of the trip. He also said Taiwan's leadership wanted independence and was counting on U.S. backing. Taiwan's Deputy Foreign Minister Chen Ming-chi said the remarks created "a certain kind of anxiety" inside the government.

He added that the sales are expected to proceed because of bipartisan support in Congress and their role in regional stability.

Taiwan's defense industry Thunder Tiger, a company that once made remote-controlled toys, now produces long-range drones. Its drones can reach Shanghai, 680 kilometres from Taipei, but cannot reach Beijing. Company executive Allan Chi said the firm uses a supply chain with 95 to 99 per cent of parts sourced outside mainland China.

He said this approach is meant to keep production lines running if conflict breaks out.

Political and diplomatic context Taiwan's Deputy Foreign Minister Wu Chih-chung said Taiwan already functions as a sovereign country with its own elections, currency and passports. He rejected the idea that Taiwan is seeking conflict. Only 11 countries maintain formal diplomatic ties with Taiwan.

The island participates in few international organizations because of pressure from Beijing. Taiwan recorded 8.7 per cent economic growth last year, driven by its semiconductor and artificial intelligence sectors. The island ranks 15th on The Economist's democracy index.