Xi Jinping is expected to raise Taiwan arms sales with Donald Trump as both leaders prepare for high-level Washington talks this week.
Washington
Chinese President Xi Jinping is expected to press U.S. President Donald Trump to halt American arms sales to Taiwan during his visit to Washington this week, citing the 1982 U.S.-China Joint Communique, according to three sources familiar with discussions.
The issue is expected to feature prominently in talks between Xi and Trump, with Xi potentially raising it during a visit to the U.S. National Archives on Friday. China regards Taiwan as part of its territory and has repeatedly demanded that Washington stop arms sales to the island.
The 1982 communique said the United States intended to gradually reduce arms sales to Taiwan and did not seek to pursue long-term weapons sales. However, an accompanying memorandum by then-President Ronald Reagan linked any reduction to China’s continued commitment to resolving differences with Taiwan peacefully.
The United States does not maintain formal diplomatic relations with Taiwan but is legally required to provide the island with defensive capabilities. Taiwan’s government rejects Beijing’s sovereignty claims.
China’s Foreign Ministry has repeatedly said Washington should comply with the three joint communiques, particularly the 1982 agreement, and stop arms sales to Taiwan.
Trump’s administration has already approved an $11 billion arms package for Taiwan, while another package worth about $14 billion has remained on hold for months, according to Reuters.
The sources said Beijing has also asked Washington to stop deliveries of weapons already ordered by Taiwan.
Xi arrives in Washington on Wednesday, with formal talks scheduled for Thursday. Taiwan’s Foreign Ministry said it was closely monitoring the high-level U.S.-China exchanges while maintaining communication with Washington.
