TAIPEI — Taiwan will continue to strengthen its military capabilities, a senior security official said, sending a clear signal to US President-elect Donald Trump that the island is serious about strengthening its own defenses.

Taipei has increased defense spending in recent years in response to China’s growing military presence around the autonomous island community, but is under pressure to do more.

Trump caused alarm during his campaign by suggesting that Taiwan should pay the United States, the island’s most important backer and largest arms supplier, for its defense.

GUN CONTROL A visitor checks an airsoft gun at the Military, Outdoor and Airsoft exhibition in Taipei, Taiwan, on November 8, 2024. AFP PHOTO

Taipei publicly congratulated Trump on his victory, joining other governments around the world trying to compete with the mercurial former businessman whose diplomatic tone is often businesslike.

“Our commitment to strengthening our own defense capabilities will only be higher, not lower,” the senior national security official said this week on condition of anonymity. he said.

“While we don’t have any list (of planned arms purchases) with Trump’s team, there are new advances or discussions… Taiwan is very willing to have further discussions with like-minded partners, especially the United States, on how Taiwan can develop itself .-defense capabilities,” the official said.

US-Taiwan relations warmed during Trump’s first term due to his conflict with China on issues such as trade and national security.

Taiwan’s then-leader Tsai Ing-wen had an unprecedented phone call with Trump after his victory in 2016; This infuriated Beijing, and Trump also increased arms sales and diplomatic contacts with the island.

Taiwan’s defense spending has increased by nearly 80 percent in the past eight years, the official said.

Taipei has earmarked a record $19 billion for 2024 and next year’s budget, aimed at supporting a more agile defense approach, is expected to reach a new high.

However, compared to China’s number of soldiers and firepower, it is far behind in terms of weapons.

The London-based Financial Times reported on Monday that Taiwan is considering buying a large arms package from the United States to signal its seriousness about investing in its own defense.

According to the report, Taipei is also considering requesting F-35 fighter jets, among other issues.

“Relevant needs that are consistent with our operational requirements will be proposed through an existing military exchange mechanism with the United States,” Taiwan Defense Minister Wellington Koo told reporters on Wednesday, declining to comment on specific requests.