TAIWAN President Lai Ching-te on Thursday reaffirmed the island’s “rock-solid” relationship with the United States, emphasising that all cooperation programmes between the two nations will continue unchanged, following a high-level discussion between Chinese President Xi Jinping and U.S. President Donald Trump.
Reuter cited today that during Wednesday’s call, Xi reportedly urged Trump to exercise caution in handling arms sales to Taiwan, which Beijing considers part of its territory.
Speaking to reporters in central Taiwan, Lai stressed that such pressure would not alter Taipei’s ties with Washington.
“Taiwan–U.S. relations are rock-solid; all cooperation programmes will continue and will not change,” Lai said. He added that the United States’ commitments to Taiwan remain firm and that the status of Taiwan as separate from the People’s Republic of China also remains unchanged.
Although the United States does not maintain formal diplomatic relations with Taiwan, it is the island’s most important international supporter and is legally bound to provide defensive capabilities.
In December, the Trump administration approved US$11.1 billion in arms sales to Taiwan, marking the largest-ever U.S. weapons package for the island.
Lai’s comments underscore Taipei’s determination to maintain stable and enduring relations with Washington despite heightened pressure from Beijing and ongoing regional tensions. - February 5, 2026
