Trump-Xi Summit Faces Taiwan Tensions Over US Arms Sales
US President Donald Trump has played down concerns that Chinese President Xi Jinping could cancel a planned visit to Washington after reports that Beijing warned the United States against approving new arms sales to Taiwan.
Trump told reporters on Sunday while attending the Irish Open in Doonbeg, Ireland, that he was not worried about the possibility of Xi calling off the meeting.
“No, I’m not worried about that,” Trump said. “We have a great relationship. He wants to get along, and we want it. We’re going to get along.”
The comments came after reports that China had warned Washington that Xi’s planned visit could be scrapped if the United States approved another major weapons package for Taiwan.
Taiwan arms sales create fresh tension
Taiwan has emerged as one of the most sensitive issues in the US-China relationship.
Trump has been considering a proposed arms package worth about $14 billion for Taiwan. Beijing regards Taiwan as part of China and has consistently opposed US weapons sales to the island.
The reported Chinese warning has not been publicly confirmed by Beijing as an official decision to cancel the summit. Taiwan-focused reporting on Monday cited a Kyodo News report that China had asked Washington not to approve new arms sales before the meeting and that Xi could consider cancelling the visit if such sales went ahead.
The distinction matters because Xi’s visit itself has not yet been formally announced by Beijing. Trump has said he expects Xi to come to Washington on September 24 following their meeting in China in May.
Trump and Xi discussed Taiwan in May
Trump and Xi met in Beijing in May, where Taiwan was among the issues discussed.
Trump later said the two leaders had talked “a lot” about Taiwan. He also said at the time that he wanted Beijing to “cool down” over the issue.
The US president has not publicly committed to a specific decision on the proposed $14 billion weapons package. The administration has previously described the sale as under review.
The issue has created some uncertainty around Washington’s approach to Taiwan. Trump has at times presented the arms package as part of broader negotiations with Beijing, while senior US officials have also said Washington’s longstanding Taiwan policy remains unchanged.
Summit could cover more than Taiwan
If the meeting goes ahead, Taiwan is expected to be one of several difficult issues confronting the two leaders.
US-China relations have remained fragile despite efforts by Trump and Xi to maintain dialogue after the tariff confrontation between the two countries.
Trade, technology restrictions, rare-earth supplies and the war involving Iran have also contributed to tensions.
The two governments have nevertheless maintained economic engagement. China has recently purchased large quantities of US agricultural products, including soybeans, ahead of Xi’s anticipated visit, while both sides have an interest in preventing another major escalation in their broader economic relationship.
The September meeting would also give Trump and Xi an opportunity to discuss the wider relationship directly rather than through diplomatic channels.
Beijing has not formally confirmed the visit
One important uncertainty remains: China has yet to officially announce Xi’s planned trip to the United States.
Taiwanese officials and analysts have been watching the diplomatic preparations closely. Taiwan’s National Security Council adviser Huang Chung-yen said recent Chinese diplomatic and military activity appeared aimed at creating leverage before a possible Trump-Xi meeting.
The reported warning over arms sales therefore adds another pressure point to an already complicated relationship.
For now, Trump is publicly dismissing the possibility that the Taiwan dispute will derail the meeting. Whether Beijing ultimately confirms Xi’s visit, and whether Washington approves new arms sales before then, remain key questions ahead of September 24.
