WASHINGTON (Diya TV) — Chinese President Xi Jinping plans to press President Donald Trump to halt U.S. arms sales to Taiwan during a summit in Washington this week, according to three people familiar with preparations for the talks.
Xi plans to cite a 1982 U.S.-China joint communiqué in which Washington said it intended to reduce arms sales to Taiwan gradually and avoid a long-term weapons-sales policy.
President Ronald Reagan issued a separate memo that year linking any reduction in arms sales to China’s continued pursuit of a peaceful resolution with Taiwan. Under the Six Assurances, the United States set no deadline for ending arms sales and did not agree to consult Beijing before approving them.
The United States does not maintain formal diplomatic relations with Taiwan, but federal law requires Washington to provide the self-governing island with the means to defend itself. Washington acknowledges but does not endorse Beijing’s position that Taiwan belongs to China. Taiwan rejects Beijing’s sovereignty claim.
China’s Foreign Ministry said Beijing “resolutely opposes” U.S. arms sales to Taiwan. Chinese forces have increased military activity around the island in recent years through frequent aircraft and naval operations and large-scale exercises.
China has also asked Washington to stop delivering weapons that Taiwan has already ordered, according to the sources. They said Beijing may offer to help Washington pressure Iran during the discussions.
The Trump administration approved an $11 billion arms package for Taiwan in December but has held a second package worth about $14 billion for several months. Trump described the pending sale as a negotiating tool after meeting Xi in Beijing in May.
A White House official said Trump expects to decide on the pending package soon. Taiwan’s Foreign Ministry said it continues to monitor the talks and maintain close communication with Washington.
Xi plans to arrive Wednesday, meet formally with Trump on Thursday and visit the National Archives on Friday.
