Trump to Discuss Taiwan Arms Sales and Jimmy Lai with Xi Jinping

Washington DC. US President Donald Trump is going on a China visit this week. During this visit, he has stated that he will discuss the sale of American arms to Taiwan and the issue of Hong Kong media businessman Jimmy Lai, who is in jail, with his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping.

Speaking to reporters at the White House, Trump said when asked about support for Taiwan's defense, "I will discuss that with President Xi." He mentioned that China wants the US not to sell arms to Taiwan, and this will be one of the many issues he will raise.

China has been claiming that the democratically governed Taiwan is its territory, but Taiwan has rejected this claim. Although the US adopts a "One China policy", it has adopted a policy of accepting China's position without taking a clear stance on Taiwan's sovereignty. Furthermore, according to US law, Washington is obliged to assist in Taiwan's security. 

The sale of American arms to Taiwan has long been a major cause of tension in US-China relations. In December last year, the Trump administration announced the largest US arms package for Taiwan, worth over $11 billion.

In recent days, Trump's allies have urged Taiwan to increase its defense spending further. However, according to a US official, the Trump-Xi summit has not indicated any change in the US policy regarding Taiwan.

Speaking to reporters, Trump also said that the possibility of military tension regarding Taiwan is less likely during his tenure. "I don't think that will happen," he said, "We will be fine. I have a very good relationship with President Xi. He knows that I don't want that to happen."