Trump Says He Will Talk to Xi on U.S. Arms Sales to Taiwan
President Donald Trump told reporters on Monday that he expects to hold a direct conversation with Chinese President Xi Jinping about the United States’ long‑standing policy of selling defensive weapons to Taiwan. The remarks came during a CBS News interview in Washington, D.C., and set the tone for what Trump described as a “balancing act” between supporting Taiwan’s security and avoiding a broader confrontation with Beijing.
The United States has maintained an “One China” stance while simultaneously providing Taiwan with a steady stream of military equipment, a policy that has repeatedly angered China. Analysts say any diplomatic overture on the weapons issue could either defuse tensions or embolden Beijing to pressure Taiwan further, especially as both powers jockey for influence in the Indo‑Pacific region.
CBS’s Lindsey Reiser reported that Trump said the upcoming call would focus on “the pricing, the quantity and the timing” of future arms sales. In contrast, a separate PBS interview with White House correspondent Liz Landers noted that the president’s team has already drafted a “contingency plan” to suspend new sales if the discussion with Xi fails. Reuters, not cited in the original pieces, later reported that the Pentagon is preparing a briefing package on possible “peace‑time” reductions.
Experts such as Brookings senior fellow Robert Kagan warned that a perceived softening on Taiwan could be interpreted by China as a green light for coercive actions. Former State Department officials argue that a transparent dialogue could create a predictable framework, reducing the risk of accidental escalation. The divergent views highlight how the U.S. must weigh deterrence against diplomatic outreach.
The next step will be the scheduled call, which Trump said could take place within the next two weeks. Observers will watch for any concrete statements on future arms deals, as well as any follow‑up comments from the Chinese foreign ministry. Congressional hearings on the arms sales policy are slated for later this month, and the outcome could shape the strategic calculus for both Washington and Taipei.