China’s President Xi Jinping is expected to urge US President Donald Trump to stop arms sales to Taiwan when he visits Washington this week. This request is based on a 1982 joint statement where the US expressed its intent to gradually reduce arms sales to Taiwan, which China considers a crucial diplomatic issue. Despite the absence of formal ties, US law mandates that Taiwan receive support to defend itself, a claim contested by China.
Sources suggest that during the summit, China will reference the US’s commitment under the 1982 agreement to limit arms sales to Taiwan, which should be conditioned on China’s peaceful resolution of Taiwan-related issues. Over the past five years, China has increased its military presence around Taiwan, conducting regular military exercises. The Chinese government has emphasized that stopping US arms sales is essential for stable US-China relations.
Xi will arrive on Wednesday, with talks scheduled for Thursday and a visit to the National Archives on Friday. The White House indicated that Trump is expected to soon decide on new arms sales to Taiwan. Previous arms sales during Trump’s presidency surpassed those of any other president, indicating a strong US support for Taiwan.
China has also requested that the US halt the delivery of arms Taiwan has already ordered. Some sources claim Xi may assert that Taiwan provokes instability in US-China relations. In exchange for US concessions, China may offer cooperation to address issues such as Iran’s actions in the Middle East.
Under the “one China policy,” the US does not officially recognize Taiwan’s independence but acknowledges Beijing’s claim. The Trump administration had approved a significant $11 billion arms package to Taiwan, the largest in history, yet a second package for $14 billion is currently on hold. Trump previously labeled this package as a valuable negotiating tool.
Senior US Republicans are advocating for firm support of Taiwan in the face of Chinese opposition to arms sales. Some senators emphasize that the US will not accept any use of force against Taiwan and maintain its current supportive stance. In a recent defense forum, a former national security adviser expressed skepticism that substantial developments regarding Taiwan would occur during the summit, predicting that Xi would likely lecture Trump about Taiwan, similar to past meetings.
With information from Reuters
