BEIJING — As U.S. President Donald Trump prepares to meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing this week, China has issued a stern warning against continued American arms sales to Taiwan, emphasizing that such actions undermine Beijing's core interests. The two-day summit, set to begin shortly after Trump's arrival, is expected to address a range of bilateral issues, with the status of Taiwan — which China regards as an inseparable part of its territory — likely to take center stage.
China's Taiwan Affairs Office spokesperson, Zhang Han, spoke out on Wednesday in Beijing, reiterating Beijing's unwavering opposition to any form of military cooperation between Washington and Taipei. "We firmly oppose the United States engaging in any form of military ties with China's Taiwan region, and firmly oppose the United States selling weapons to China's Taiwan region. This position is consistent and unequivocal," Zhang said. She described Taiwan as the "core of China's core interests" and urged the U.S. to honor commitments made by successive administrations, framing them as international obligations.
The timing of the warning is particularly pointed, coming just days before Trump's visit. The U.S. maintains no formal diplomatic ties with Taiwan but is legally required under the Taiwan Relations Act to provide the island with defensive arms. In December, the Trump administration approved an $11 billion weapons package for Taiwan, marking the largest such sale in history. This move has heightened tensions, as Beijing views it as interference in its internal affairs.
Taiwan, a self-governing democracy of about 23 million people, has been a flashpoint in U.S.-China relations for decades. China has never renounced the use of force to achieve reunification, though it prefers a peaceful approach. The U.S. adheres to its "One China" policy, recognizing Beijing's government while acknowledging, but not endorsing, its claim over Taiwan. This delicate balance has allowed for unofficial ties with Taipei, including arms sales intended to bolster the island's defenses against potential aggression from the mainland.
Adding to the pre-summit friction, Taiwan's parliament — controlled by the opposition — recently approved only two-thirds of a proposed $40 billion special defense budget requested by President Lai Ching-te. The measure funds purchases of U.S. weapons but trims funding for domestic programs, such as drone development. A senior U.S. official expressed disappointment on Sunday, stating that the approved amount falls short of what Washington deems necessary for Taiwan's security.
According to a senior Taiwan security official who spoke to Reuters, the reduced budget could give China leverage during the Trump-Xi talks. The official warned that Beijing might argue to Trump that Taiwan's legislature opposes buying weapons, suggesting the U.S. should respect the "will of the Taiwanese people" to persuade him to halt or reduce defense support. This concern underscores the domestic political divisions in Taiwan that could influence international dynamics.
Reports indicate that another arms package, potentially worth $14 billion, might be approved by the U.S. shortly after Trump's return from China. However, its current status remains unclear, with sources suggesting it could be timed to avoid derailing the summit. Such sales have long been a source of contention; China frequently protests them, viewing them as encouragement for Taiwan's independence sentiments.
President Lai, who took office last year and firmly rejects Beijing's sovereignty claims, used a speech at the Copenhagen Democracy Summit on Tuesday to assert Taiwan's distinct identity. "The island is a sovereign, independent nation and beacon of democracy that would not bow to pressure," Lai told the audience. His remarks highlight Taiwan's push to strengthen global alliances amid growing Chinese military activities around the island, including frequent incursions into its air defense zone.
In response, Zhang Han dismissed any notions of Taiwanese sovereignty. "Taiwan is a part of China that has never been, and would never be, a country," she declared. She added, "Our resolve to oppose Taiwan independence is as firm as a rock, and our capability to crush Taiwan independence is unbreakable." These strong words reflect Beijing's long-standing policy, which includes military drills and economic pressures aimed at compelling reunification.
The Trump-Xi summit occurs against a backdrop of broader U.S.-China rivalry, encompassing trade disputes, technology restrictions, and competition in the Indo-Pacific region. Trump's first term saw escalating tariffs and a trade war, but recent months have shown tentative signs of de-escalation. Yet, Taiwan remains a non-negotiable red line for Beijing, where any perceived U.S. encouragement of independence could provoke severe repercussions.
Analysts note that the arms sales issue could complicate discussions on other fronts, such as climate cooperation or supply chain resilience. A U.S. State Department spokesperson declined to comment on summit specifics but reaffirmed the administration's commitment to the Taiwan Relations Act. Meanwhile, Taiwanese officials have ramped up diplomatic outreach, seeking support from allies like Japan and the European Union to counterbalance Chinese influence.
Historically, U.S. presidents have navigated this terrain carefully. During Trump's previous engagements with Xi, including summits in 2017 and 2019, Taiwan was discussed but never derailed the broader agenda. However, the scale of recent arms deals and Taiwan's evolving political landscape — with Lai's Democratic Progressive Party emphasizing self-reliance — have intensified the stakes.
From Beijing's perspective, the U.S. sales not only arm a perceived separatist entity but also signal a strategic encirclement. China has bolstered its own military capabilities, including its navy and missile arsenal, in recent years. Taiwan's defense ministry reported over 1,700 Chinese warplane incursions into its air defense identification zone last year alone, a figure that continues to rise.
As Trump lands in Beijing, the world watches closely. The summit could yield progress on economic issues, but the Taiwan question looms large, potentially testing the limits of diplomatic goodwill. Whether Trump presses Xi on human rights in Xinjiang or Hong Kong remains to be seen, but the arms sales debate is sure to feature prominently.
Looking ahead, the outcome of these talks could shape Taiwan's procurement strategy and U.S. policy in the region. If the $14 billion package proceeds, it might invite further Chinese retaliation, such as sanctions on U.S. firms or increased military posturing. For Taiwan, bolstering defenses is existential; for the U.S., it's about maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific. As one Taiwan-based analyst put it anonymously, "The summit isn't just about handshakes — it's about drawing lines in the sand."
In the end, the delicate dance over Taiwan reflects deeper geopolitical shifts. With global supply chains intertwined and alliances realigning, the Trump-Xi meeting offers a critical opportunity — or risk — for stability. Observers await not just agreements, but the unspoken signals that will guide the next chapter in this enduring rivalry.