China Warns US on Taiwan Arms Sales Ahead of Trump-Xi Summit
According to the International Desk of Webangah News Agency, China‘s Ministry of National Defense spokesperson, Jiang Ping, stated on Thursday that the United States must exercise “extreme caution” in its dealings with Taiwan concerning arms sales. These remarks were made just before the leaders’ summit in Washington between Xi Jinping and Donald Trump.
The Chinese Ministry of Defense spokesperson emphasized the importance of maintaining a “stable, strong, and continuous” military relationship between the United States and China.
He added, “It must be stressed that Taiwan is the most important issue in China-U.S. relations, and maintaining peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait is the biggest common interest between the two countries.”
The Chinese spokesperson further advised the U.S. administration to handle the Taiwan issue with “great care.”
Last December, the Trump administration approved an $11 billion arms deal with Taiwan, marking the largest such agreement. However, a second deal, valued at approximately $14 billion, has remained pending for months.
Jiang’s comments followed shortly after the Taiwanese government, expressing gratitude for U.S. support, underscored its commitment to continued cooperation with Washington ahead of the summit.
Sources familiar with the matter told Reuters that Chinese President Xi is expected to pressure President Trump during his visit to Washington to completely halt arms sales to Taiwan. Xi arrived in Washington on Wednesday, and the summit is scheduled for Thursday.
In a related development, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, when asked about equipping Taiwan, indicated that the U.S. administration is working to balance its own defense needs with broader strategies. He also pointed to limitations concerning current production capacities and arms stockpiles.
