Trump to Discuss Arms Sales to Taiwan in Meeting with Xi Jinping
Al Jazeera Staff
US President Donald Trump confirmed he will discuss arms sales to Taiwan with Chinese President Xi Jinping in their upcoming meeting. The issue remains a major point of friction between Washington and Beijing, especially after a record $11 billion US weapons package to Taiwan in December.
US President Donald Trump confirmed that he will discuss the matter of US arms sales to Taiwan during his meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping this weekend. Speaking to reporters at the White House, Trump stressed: “I will have that discussion with President Xi. He doesn't want us to do it, and I will bring it up — it's one of many things I'll talk about.”
Trump's visit to Beijing is scheduled to start Wednesday, ahead of formal talks on Thursday and Friday. This marks his first trip to China in nine years.
The issue of US arms sales to Taiwan has long been a source of tension between Washington and Beijing. China claims Taiwan as an inseparable part of its territory. Taiwan, a self-governing island, rejects China’s military threats and insists its people have the right to decide their own future.
The United States is Taiwan's most important ally, supplying weapons to counter a potential Chinese attack. In December, Trump announced a weapons package worth over $11 billion for Taiwan — the largest in history. Around the same time, China conducted military drills simulating a blockade of a Taiwanese port, widely seen as a warning to external powers supporting Taiwan.
While criticizing the arms sales, the US has not officially taken a position on Taiwan's sovereignty, calling on Beijing and Taipei to peacefully resolve issues related to the island’s status.
Asked about the risk of US-China tensions escalating over Taiwan, Trump said: “I don't think that will happen. I think we'll be fine. I have a very good relationship with President Xi. He knows I don't want that to happen.”
