Trump to Raise US Arms Sales to Taiwan in Upcoming Meeting with Xi Jinping

Former President Donald Trump said he will bring up the issue of U.S. arms sales to Taiwan in his upcoming talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping, marking his first visit to China in nine years.

Trump’s Planned Discussion on Taiwan Arms Sales with Xi

• Meeting schedule: Trump arrives in Beijing on Wednesday, with talks slated for Thursday and Friday.
• Trump’s statement: “I’m going to have that discussion with President Xi… President Xi would like us not to, and I’ll have that discussion.”
• Conflict outlook: Trump reiterated his belief that a near‑term war over Taiwan is unlikely.

Scale of the Latest US Weapons Package for Taiwan

• Value: More than $11 billion, the largest arms deal ever approved for Taiwan (December 2025).
• Purpose: Provides Taiwan with weapons capable of countering a potential Chinese assault.

Potential Ripple Effects on US‑China‑Taiwan Relations

• US defence support for Taiwan has long been a flashpoint with Beijing, which claims the island as part of its territory.
• China responded to the December arms approval with provocative military drills simulating a blockade of Taiwanese ports.
• The United States maintains a “no official position” on Taiwanese sovereignty while urging peaceful resolution.

What the Meeting Could Signal for Future Diplomatic Engagements

• Trump expressed confidence in his personal rapport with Xi, stating “He knows I don’t want that to happen.”
• If the discussion leads to a de‑escalation, it could temper the recent surge in Chinese military activity around Taiwan.
• Conversely, a hard‑line stance on arms sales might reinforce U.S. commitment to Taiwan but risk further Chinese pushback.