US President Donald Trump says his administration is still considering a
proposed US$14 billion arms sale to Taiwan ... and that he plans to discuss
the issue with Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te (賴清德).

Trump's remarks, in response to reporter questions aboard Air Force One, came
after he said following a summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping (習近平) in
Beijing last month that a decision on a new arms package for Taiwan would be
made soon.

Lai has previously said that, if given the opportunity to speak with Trump,
he would stress that strengthening Taiwan's defensive capabilities and buying
US weapons are necessary to safeguard Taiwan's security and maintain peace
and stability across the Taiwan Strait.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio has said the proposed arms package remains
under review within the US administration.

Rubio told Congress that Washington doesn't consult Beijing on arms sales to
Taiwan and that US policy toward Taiwan hasn't changed.

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