Trump Signals He Will Raise Taiwan Arms Sales and Jimmy Lai Case in Talks With Xi Jinping

Mintesinot Niggusie

U.S. President Donald Trump said he will discuss arms sales to Taiwan and the imprisonment of Hong Kong media tycoon Jimmy Lai with Chinese President Xi Jinping during meetings in Beijing this week.

Speaking to reporters at the White House, Trump said: “President Xi would like us not to, and I’ll have that discussion. That’s one of the many things I’ll be talking about,” when asked about U.S. support for Taiwan’s defence.

The comments come amid continued friction over Taiwan, which China regards as part of its territory. Military support for Taiwan has been a persistent point of contention. In December, Trump announced a weapons package for Taiwan valued at more than 11 billion US dollars.

Trump also downplayed the risk of escalation, saying he did not expect conflict over Taiwan during his presidency. “I don’t think it’ll happen,” he said. “I think we’ll be fine. I have a very good relationship with President Xi.”

Separately, Trump said he would raise the case of Jimmy Lai, founder of the now-closed Apple Daily newspaper. Lai was sentenced in February to 20 years in prison on charges including conspiracy to collude with foreign forces. “Jimmy Lai, he caused lots of turmoil for China... I’d like to see him get out,” Trump said.

Trump also said he would bring up the case of Pastor Jin Mingri, founder of Zion Church, who was arrested late last year following tighter regulations from China’s religious authorities.