Trump Leaves Taiwan Arms Sale Decision Unsettled After China Talks

Mintesinot Niggusie

President Donald Trump has left unresolved the fate of a major U.S. arms package for Taiwan, saying a decision has yet to be made following high-level talks in China that also put the island’s security at the centre of discussions with Beijing.

The remarks come after Trump met Chinese President Xi Jinping during a three-day visit to China, where Taiwan was a key point of tension. Xi warned that mishandling the issue could risk confrontation between the two powers, according to comments Trump relayed afterward.

Trump told reporters he did not give Xi any assurances on Taiwan during their talks, saying he “heard him out” when the issue was raised. He also said Xi directly asked whether the United States would defend Taiwan in the event of a Chinese attack, a question Trump declined to answer.

“I don’t talk about that,” he said, describing the exchange aboard Air Force One after returning from the trip. The U.S. president also suggested he may speak directly with Taiwan’s leadership as part of the decision-making process on the pending arms sale.

China considers Taiwan part of its territory and has long opposed U.S. arms transfers to the self-governed island, viewing them as interference in its internal affairs. It has not ruled out the use of force to achieve reunification.

Taiwan’s Foreign Ministry said it had taken note of Trump’s comments and reiterated that U.S. arms sales are grounded in domestic law and contribute to regional security. It described the shipments as part of broader deterrence efforts and thanked Washington for its continued support.