China’s Xi expected to press Trump to halt Taiwan arms sales under 1982 agreement, sources say
Summary
Xi Jinping is expected to press Donald Trump to halt US arms sales to Taiwan during talks in Washington this week, reviving disputes over the 1982 joint communique and Beijing’s claims over the island. The issue comes as the Trump administration weighs new packages and China seeks to use Taiwan as leverage in broader US-China tensions.
Key Points
- Xi Jinping is expected to urge Donald Trump to stop US arms sales and deliveries to Taiwan during a Washington summit this week.
- China is likely to invoke the 1982 joint communique, while the US cites its one-China policy and legal obligation to help Taiwan defend itself.
- The Trump administration has already approved major arms packages for Taiwan, including an $11 billion package and another $14 billion package that remains on hold.
- US Republican lawmakers and former officials are urging Trump to keep a firm line and maintain current Taiwan policy.
