Taiwan soldiers on through Xi's threats and Trump's ambivalence

Taiwanese officials continue advocating arms deliveries while stressing the need to bolster self-defense capabilities. They emphasize adjustments to national defense based on Taiwan’s uniqueness, geopolitics, and emerging risks. Civil-defense and related organizations describe high sensitivity in Taiwan regarding military aggression and information warfare from China, while noting daily operations feel comparatively more relaxed. A semi-official organization handling civil and business affairs between Taiwan and China states Taiwan will not provoke China or allow it to trample the island. Officials express optimism and a desire to avoid war. Separately, U.S. statements indicate uncertainty about approving a delayed $14 billion arms package and skepticism about whether weapons would change outcomes.

"“very high degree of sensitivity” in Taiwan about military aggression and information warfare from China, said Tsung-Yi Tang, a representative for civil-defense organization Kuma Academy. “ But in terms of the daily operations, actually we are still more relaxed.”"

"“Taiwan needs to strengthen our own self-defense. We need to make adjustments in terms of national defense,” he said through an interpreter. “We also have to think about Taiwan's uniqueness, our geopolitics and what kind of risks will arise.”"

"“It's not that Taiwanese people are naive. We do know that, given this hostility and difficult situation, we still need to be optimistic,” he added. “Of course we do not want to see war.”"

"Trump said after the meeting that he was unsure whether he'd approve a $14 billion arms package for Taiwan, which his administration has delayed despite bipartisan support. He also suggested the weapons wouldn't make a difference should Beijing make a move. “When you look at the odds, China is a very powerful, big country. That's a very small island,” he told Fox News."

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