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Trump asked Xi Jinping if China would like to buy US weapons, American ambassador says
The Guardian • • nation
Key Points:
- US ambassador to China David Perdue claimed that President Donald Trump offered to sell weapons to China during a recent meeting with Xi Jinping, though the White House and State Department denied any such plans, citing legal prohibitions.
- The claim arose amid ongoing US deliberations over a $14 billion arms sales package to Taiwan, which Trump has kept on hold, describing it as a negotiating tool in talks with China.
- Beijing opposes US arms sales to Taiwan, viewing the island as a breakaway province and has not ruled out force to achieve reunification, while the US maintains a policy of strategic ambiguity but is legally required to provide Taiwan with defensive military equipment.
- Taiwanese officials emphasize the growing military threat from China despite its economic challenges, highlighting the importance of US support for Taiwan’s defense needs.
- Trump has not publicly commented on the alleged arms sale offer to China since the summit, and officials confirm no change in US policy toward Taiwan or arms sales.
