U.S. arms sales to Taiwan are a source of long-standing tensions with Beijing, which claims the island as its own territory.
Published May 11, 2026
President Donald Trump said he would raise the issue of U.S. arms sales to Taiwan in a meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping later this week.
President Trump reiterated his belief that a conflict with China over the status of Taiwan is unlikely in the near future.
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Asked about arms sales, President Trump told reporters at the White House, “I’m going to discuss that with President Xi.” “President Xi wants us not to do that, and I’m going to have that discussion. It’s one of the many things I’m going to talk about.”
Trump is scheduled to arrive in Beijing on Wednesday ahead of talks scheduled for Thursday and Friday. This will be his first visit to China in nine years.
U.S. defense assistance to Taiwan has long been a source of tension and potential flashpoints with Beijing, which claims the island as an important part of its territory. The self-governing island rejects the threat of Chinese military power and insists its people should be free to decide their own future.
The United States is Taiwan’s most important supporter and has provided the island with weapons it can use to counter potential Chinese attacks. In December, President Trump announced the largest arms package ever against Taiwan, worth more than $11 billion.
Also in December, China launched a series of provocative military exercises simulating a blockade of Taiwan’s ports, seen by many as a warning to outside forces supporting Taiwan.
Although China has condemned the US arms sale, the US has not taken an official position on Taiwan’s sovereignty and has called on Taipei and China to peacefully resolve issues regarding Taiwan’s status.
Asked about the possibility of escalating tensions between the United States and China over Taiwan, President Trump said, “I don’t think that’s going to happen.” “I think it’s okay. President Xi and I have a very good relationship. President Xi knows that I don’t want anything like that.”
