Deterrents and Diplomacy: The Taiwan Arms Sales Ruckus The recent back and forth over U. S. arms sales to Taiwan has left many wondering about the true nature of President Trump's stance on the island democracy.
While Trump's comments have been characterized as a "bargaining chip" for negotiating with China, Taiwan's president, Lai Ching te, sees things differently. In a statement that has been met with approval from U. S.
lawmakers, Lai emphasized that arms purchases from the United States are "the most important deterrent" of regional conflict and instability.