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US President Donald Trump has said he is prepared to discuss US arms sales to Taiwan during his upcoming visit to China, while expressing confidence that President Xi Jinping would not invade the island.
Speaking at the White House on Monday, Trump said Taiwan would be one of several issues to be discussed during his meeting with Xi in Beijing later this week.
“President Xi would like us not to, and I’ll have that discussion,” Trump said while responding to questions about continued US weapons sales to Taiwan.
Trump also suggested that his relationship with Xi could help maintain peace in the Taiwan Strait, saying, “I don’t think it’ll happen.”
The visit, scheduled for Wednesday to Friday, is expected to focus heavily on trade and economic cooperation between the world’s two largest economies.
Taiwan’s foreign ministry reacted by pledging to strengthen cooperation with the United States and improve its defence capabilities to maintain stability in the region.
Meanwhile, China again criticised US arms sales to Taiwan, insisting Beijing firmly opposes military support for the self-governing island, which it considers part of its territory.
Ahead of the trip, Taiwan’s parliament approved a $25 billion defence spending bill, while a bipartisan group of US senators urged Trump to approve a $14 billion arms package for Taiwan.
The visit comes amid renewed tensions involving Iran, trade disputes and regional security concerns, as Washington and Beijing continue negotiations on economic and geopolitical issues.
