US-China Relations

US$14B Taiwan Arms Deal in Focus as Trump-Xi Summit Approaches

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By Kris Ma/Tiffany Wong

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Taiwan officials remain confident in US support as President Donald Trump prepares to host Chinese leader Xi Jinping at the White House later this week. Reports have linked a pending US$14 billion arms package for Taiwan to Trump's efforts to improve ties with Beijing, raising concerns that Taiwan could become a bargaining chip. Taiwan's Mainland Affairs Council, which handles relations with China, says Washington has consistently reaffirmed its Taiwan policy, while security officials argue strengthening Taiwan's defense remains a key US priority.

Officials in Taipei are confident that the US will remain a reliable partner, despite growing concerns that Taiwan could become a bargaining chip as US President Donald Trump prepares to welcome Chinese leader Xi Jinping to the White House later this week.

Ahead of the Trump-Xi summit, several media reports have linked a pending $14 billion US dollar arms package for Taiwan to Trump’s efforts to improve ties with Beijing.

The New York Times reported that since the two leaders last met in Beijing in May, Trump has delayed approving the arms deal, and officials in his administration have avoided mentioning Taiwan in public speeches.

But Taiwan’s top China affairs official says he expects Washington to maintain its policy toward Taiwan.

CHIU CHUI-CHENG, MINISTER, MAINLAND AFFAIRS COUNCIL:

"We believe the Taiwan-US relationship is grounded in shared interests and values and that there is bipartisan support for Taiwan. We will continue to work with the US and other democratic allies to safeguard peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait."

A National Security Council adviser also dismissed concerns that Trump could delay the arms deal indefinitely to appease Beijing.

He says strengthening Taiwan's defense is a key part of the Trump administration’s national security strategy, and that delaying the arms package would go against that approach.

A Washington-based security expert also says Trump is unlikely to take steps that would escalate tensions across the Taiwan Strait.

SCOTT KENNEDY, SENIOR ADVISER, CSIS:

"I think that the president, does not want war in the Taiwan Strait. I think he also wants to make sure that the American stock markets do not go down dramatically. And so keeping the peace commercially with China, giving predictability to investors, is important. And I think, thirdly, the president wants to look good."

Still, deep differences between the US and China remain, with Taiwan being one of the most sensitive issues in the relationship.

For now, officials in Taipei remain confident in US support. But as Trump and Xi prepare to meet again, Taiwan will be watching closely for any impact on its relationship with Washington – and on the future of its long-awaited arms package.