Taiwan has long relied on the U.S. to provide it with weapons to stave off an attack by China. However, following President Trump's summit with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, American support for the island's defense is in question.
Trump's remark that a $14 billion package of U.S. arms for Taiwan is 'a very good negotiating chip' with China has raised concerns that Beijing may step up its aggression against Taiwan.
Taiwan President Lai Ching-te has weighed in, declaring that Taiwan's status isn't up to China or the U.S. to determine.
Lai said he would continue efforts to strengthen the island's defenses and is willing to engage with China on equal terms.
The arms package has been in limbo following opposition from Xi and U.S. concerns about upsetting relations with China.
Analysts say that if no arms sales are announced in the coming months, it would have a serious impact on Taiwan, certainly on morale, on confidence that Taiwan has in the United States.
