Xi Expected to Push Trump on Halting Taiwan Arms Sales, Sources Say

Chinese President Xi Jinping is expected to press President Donald Trump to halt arms sales to Taiwan during a high-profile visit to Washington this week, citing a decades-old joint agreement between the two countries, according to a Reuters report citing sources familiar with the matter.

A Longstanding Point of Tension

China views Taiwan as its own territory and has consistently called for an end to US arms sales to the self-governed island. Sources say Beijing is likely to reference a 1982 joint agreement in which the US said it intended to gradually reduce arms sales to Taiwan, though a separate memo from that era conditioned any reduction on China pursuing a peaceful resolution with Taiwan. The US remains legally obligated to provide Taiwan with the means to defend itself, even without formal diplomatic ties.

Arms Deals and Diplomatic Stakes

A large arms package to Taiwan remains on hold, with Trump previously describing it as a useful bargaining tool in negotiations with Beijing. Sources indicated China may also request a halt to deliveries of previously ordered weapons, while offering cooperation on pressuring Iran in exchange. US officials have said a decision on the pending arms package will come relatively soon, and several senior American lawmakers have publicly urged the administration to maintain a firm stance on Taiwan ahead of the summit.

Meetings Set for This Week

Xi is scheduled to arrive in Washington midweek, with formal talks and a symbolic visit to a national historic site planned in the days that follow. Some former officials expect the Taiwan issue to dominate discussions without leading to major policy shifts.