This is a rewritten transcript of the May 17, 2026 interview with Ambassador Alexander Yui, Taiwan’s representative to the United States, on Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan.
Margaret Brennan: We begin with the possibility of a presidential call. There hasn’t been a call between a U.S. president and a Taiwan leader since 1979, yet President Trump told reporters one might be coming. Is a call planned between President Trump and President Lai?
Alexander Yui: We’ll see. President Trump said that during his recent visit to Beijing he heard a lot about Taiwan, but largely from the Chinese perspective — as I put it, el cuento chino. If he has the time, he would hear Taiwan’s side: a story of resilience and of a democracy standing up to Chinese aggression. This tension is not new; it dates back to 1949. It is the People’s Republic of China creating the problem, not Taiwan.
Margaret Brennan: So no call is scheduled yet?
Yui: Communication between Taiwan and the United States is constant. I’ll leave any announcement about a call to the U.S.
Margaret Brennan: It would be significant. Previous presidents have spoken to Taiwan leaders before assuming office.
Yui: Yes, President Tsai spoke to a U.S. president-elect in 2015–16.
Margaret Brennan: China calls President Lai a separatist because she has described herself as a practical advocate for Taiwan’s independence. President Trump told Fox News he does not want another leader to declare independence with U.S. backing. Does Taiwan intend to formally declare independence from China?
Yui: First, we appreciate the U.S. reiterating its longstanding position. When people ask what Taiwan independence means, my president’s recent statement clarifies it: Taiwan is independent from the People’s Republic of China’s aggression. Our formal name is the Republic of China, and we are not subordinate to the PRC in any way. We are a sovereign democracy with a vibrant economy and high-tech industry. That is what we mean by independence. The PRC has never ruled or controlled Taiwan.
Margaret Brennan: President Trump said he wants both Taiwan and China to “cool it,” which could suggest he found Xi Jinping’s explanation persuasive. Thoughts?
Yui: That underscores why it’s important for the president to hear Taiwan’s perspective, not only the Chinese account. It seems the president seeks to preserve the status quo — no change in the Taiwan Strait by military or economic coercion — which aligns with Taiwan’s interest in peace and stability. Secretary Rubio has made similar points. We do not want war; we want to live our lives in peace. But we are not the ones creating trouble. To use an analogy: if strangers are trying to enter our house, we improve our security. The intruder then complains that our better locks make his job harder.
Margaret Brennan: On defense, the Trump administration has pledged near-record arms sales on paper, but deliveries have lagged. In Beijing, the president said he would hold on to the latest weapons sale and use it as leverage with China. What effect would delaying those deliveries have on Taiwan’s deterrence?
Yui: If the goal is to prevent war, Taiwan must be able to defend itself. Acquiring the arms we need strengthens deterrence and reduces the chance the U.S. would have to send forces halfway around the world. We believe in peace through strength. The United States has, across administrations since 1979, provided defense articles under the Taiwan Relations Act proportionate to the threats Taiwan faces. Past administrations, including President Trump’s first term, approved significant sales like the F-16 Block 70s and other packages last year. Continued arms sales are in the interest of both the United States and Taiwan to maintain a peaceful and stable Taiwan Strait.
Margaret Brennan: We’ll pursue updates from the administration about delivery timelines. Thank you, Ambassador Yui.
Yui: Thank you.
Face the Nation will return after a break.