Taiwan president says hopes for $14 bn US arms sale 'as soon as possible' (opens in new tab)

Taipei relies heavily on Washington's support to counter growing pressure from Beijing, which claims Taiwan as part of its territory and has not ruled out seizing it by force. "We hope that the arms purchases can be approved as soon as possible," President Lai Ching-te told reporters in Taipei. "Taiwan's efforts to safeguard its national security, uphold its democratic and free way of life, and reject unification and the rule of the Chinese Communist Party should not be seen as a provocation ...