TAIPEI — Taiwan President Lai Ching-te expressed optimism Thursday that U.S. President Donald Trump will approve $14 billion in arms sales to the island, despite recent signals that have raised uncertainty about American military support.

Speaking at a news conference in Taipei, Lai downplayed concerns stemming from Trump’s remarks last month, when the U.S. president described arms sales to Taiwan as a “negotiating chip” to be used in discussions with China. Trump also suggested that longstanding U.S. commitment to Taiwan’s defense could be subject to change, unsettling a decades-old policy framework.

Taiwan has long depended on Washington’s military and political backing to counter China’s growing assertiveness. Beijing claims Taiwan as part of its territory and has warned that any move toward formal independence by the island could lead to military conflict. During Trump’s first term, the administration approved $18 billion in weapons sales to Taiwan, including an $11 billion package late last year that drew sharp criticism from China.

The current $14 billion arms package under consideration was approved by Taiwan’s legislature in May, but Trump has yet to make a decision. Lai expressed confidence that after “a detailed review,” the U.S. government would approve the sales, underscoring Taiwan’s ongoing need to strengthen its defense capabilities.

However, not all in Taiwan share Lai’s optimism. Trump’s recent summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing focused heavily on Taiwan, with Xi emphasizing its importance as the "most critical issue in China-U.S. relations." Following the meeting, Trump characterized arms sales as a useful bargaining tool and hinted that prior U.S. practice of keeping such sales confidential from China was outdated. He also appeared to align with China’s portrayal of Lai as a proponent of Taiwan’s independence, a claim Lai rejects, stating Taiwan is already de facto independent and that he does not seek formal independence.

Since assuming office in 2024, Lai has prioritized deepening ties with the United States and other Western nations, but the ambiguity surrounding Trump’s approach has cast a shadow over Taiwan’s defense plans. Some Trump administration officials have softened their public support for Taiwan; for example, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth omitted Taiwan from his remarks at a recent Singapore security forum, a departure from last year’s emphasis.

To reassure domestic and international audiences, Lai and Taiwanese officials have cited statements from U.S. officials reaffirming unchanged policy. Earlier this month, Secretary of State Marco Rubio told the Senate Foreign Relations Committee that the United States does not consult China on arms sales to Taiwan and confirmed the $14 billion package is under review. Lai reiterated this point, affirming a shared goal of enhancing Taiwan’s defense capabilities.

Analysts caution, however, that Trump may postpone any decision until after a planned summit with Xi later this year. Approval of the arms sales could provoke a forceful reaction from Beijing, possibly affecting broader U.S.-China relations. Chieh Chung, an adjunct associate research fellow at the Institute for National Defense and Security Research in Taipei, noted Xi's personal investment in the arms sale issue, warning that a U.S. approval could lead Xi to delay his Washington visit and renege on purchase commitments made during the Trump-Xi summit in Beijing.