Taiwan President Lai vows no surrender

President William Lai Ching-te has issued a defiant response to suggestions that U.S. weapons sales to Taiwan could be used as leverage in negotiations with China.

Lai asserted that the island's sovereignty and democratic way of life are 'non-negotiable' and will not be traded away for temporary peace.

The comments follow a high-level summit between Presidents Trump and Xi in Beijing, where the U.S. leader hinted at a more transactional approach to cross-strait relations.

Despite the political rhetoric, Taiwanese officials expressed openness to a direct call between Lai and Trump to clarify the administration's long-term commitment to the island's defense.