Chiu Kuo-cheng downplays U.S. arms sale concerns

TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taiwan's Defense Minister Chiu Kuo-cheng emphasized on Monday (Nov. 20) the Ministry of National Defense's (MND) commitment to strengthening the military and preventing war.

This statement at the Legislative Yuan came in the wake of the meeting between Chinese President Xi Jinping and U.S. President Joe Biden, during which Xi expressed discontent over U.S. arms sales to Taiwan.

Chiu responded by affirming the Taiwanese military's resolve to continue learning from U.S. counterparts as part of ongoing exchanges, regardless of external circumstances.

He downplayed concerns about the specifics of arms sales, asserting that Taiwan's procurement of arms from the U.S. is a normal operational measure, not an intentional escalation.

In the context of the Biden-Xi meeting, where Xi denied plans for military action against Taiwan in specific future years, Chiu emphasized that the Taiwanese military is not basing its readiness on any target year suggested in Xi's statements.

Chiu underlined that the MND will maintain vigilance under all circumstances without presuming any imminent military conflicts. He clarified that the MND is not focusing on specific years like 2025, 2026, 2027, or 2035, but is instead committed to staying calm and prepared for any eventuality.