Thousands rally in Taipei for higher defence spending amid China tensions
Thousands of people have rallied in Taipei in support of higher defence spending, in a public show of concern over Taiwan's security situation. The demonstration came after a US military official said Washington was pausing a $14 billion arms sale to Taiwan. Organisers and participants linked the call for more spending to the island's need for stronger deterrence as pressure from China continues.The reported pause was said to be tied to conserving munitions for the war on Iran. That detail has added a wider international dimension to an issue that is already central to Taiwan's defence planning. The rally took... [Continue Reading]
360LiveNews | 23 May 2026 19:01 LONDON
Sponsored
US pauses Taiwan arms sales amid munitions concerns linked to Iran operations
The United States has put arms sales to Taiwan on pause, according to the acting US Navy secretary, in a move tied to the need to preserve munitions for US operations involving Iran. The comments were made during a congressional hearing on Thursday and relate to a stalled Taiwan weapons package valued at $14 billion. The development adds a new layer of uncertainty to an already sensitive defence relationship between Washington and Taipei.Acting secretary Hung Cao said the pause was intended to ensure the US military had enough munitions for "Epic Fury", while adding that the US had "plenty". The... [Continue Reading]
360LiveNews | 22 May 2026 11:31 LONDON
Taiwan president says he would be 'happy' to take up Trump's call offer
Taiwan President Lai Ching-te has said he would be "happy" to talk to Donald Trump after the US president said he would speak to him, in a move that would break more than four decades of diplomatic protocol. The exchange comes as the White House weighs arms sales to Taiwan, a democratic island that Beijing claims as its territory. China reacted with pre-emptive criticism to the prospect of a direct call between the two leaders.Trump told reporters on Wednesday that he would speak to Lai, according to the supplied report. Lai responded on Thursday that he would be happy to... [Continue Reading]
360LiveNews | 21 May 2026 15:59 LONDON
