Trump's $14 billion 'bargaining chip': Taiwan arms sale looms over Xi summit
A proposed $14 billion US arms sale to Taiwan is becoming a central point of contention ahead of a summit between Donald Trump and Xi Jinping. Beijing is pressuring the US to delay the deal, while Trump has previously characterized the package as a strategic bargaining chip.
Why it matters
The arms deal is a critical flashpoint in US-China relations, directly impacting the security status of Taiwan and global trade dynamics.
A proposed $14 billion US arms sale to Taiwan is emerging as one of the most sensitive issues hanging over US President Donald Trump’s meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping this week, with Beijing pressing Washington to keep the deal on hold while Taipei tries to make the case that its security is in US interests.According to a report by the New York Times, Xi is expected to push Trump to continue delaying the package, which includes missiles, anti-drone weapons and air-defence systems. Trump has already held off approving the sale and previously described the deal as a potential “negotiating chip” with China.China claims Taiwan as part of its territory and has consistently opposed US arms sales to the self-governed island.
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