Trump to raise Taiwan arms sales, jailed tycoon Jimmy Lai case with Xi in Beijing

Washington: US President Donald Trump said on Monday he would discuss the topic of arms sales to Taiwan and the case of jailed media tycoon Jimmy Lai with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing this week.

"I'm going to have that discussion with President Xi," Trump told reporters at the White House when asked about Washington's longstanding support for Taiwan's defense. "President Xi would like us not to, and I'll have that discussion. That's one of the many things I'll be talking about."

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The arms transfers have long been a source of friction in U.S.-China relations. In December, Trump announced the largest-ever US weapons package for the island, more than $11 billion.

Speaking to reporters, Trump repeated his doubt that tension over the island would erupt during his presidency.

"I don't think it'll happen," he said, without elaborating. "I think we'll be fine. I have a very good relationship with President Xi. He knows I don't want that to happen."

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Asked about Trump's comments, a Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson in Beijing said the countries would "engage in an in-depth exchange of views on major issues concerning China-US relations, as well as global peace and development".

The spokesperson, Guo Jiakun, added, "China's stance against the United States' arms sales to Taiwan Province of China has been consistent and clear."Reuters