Trump says he will discuss arms sales to Taiwan with China's Xi

WASHINGTON, - U.S. President Donald Trump ​said on Monday ​that he would discuss the topic of ​arms sales to Taiwan 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."

China claims the democratically governed island as its own, a contention Taiwan rejects. Washington follows a "one ⁠China policy," acknowledging ‌China's position but taking no view on Taiwan's sovereignty. The U.S. is Taiwan's most important international ⁠backer and is bound by law to help with its defense. The arms transfers are a long source of friction in U.S.-China relations. In December, Trump announced the largest ever U.S. weapons package for the island, more than $11 billion.


In recent days, the Republican president's aides have urged Taiwan to commit even ‌more money to its defense, and a U.S. official said the Trump-Xi summit signaled no ​change in ​policy towards Taiwan.

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

"I don't think it'll happen," ​Trump said, without specifying further exactly what he meant. "I think we'll be fine. I have a very good relationship with President Xi. He knows I don't want that to happen."