In a phone call with US President Donald Trump, Chinese President Xi Jinping emphasized the importance of prudence in US arms sales to Taiwan, a key issue in China-US relations. Xi called Taiwan “the most important issue” between the two countries, urging the US to handle arms supplies to the island with caution.
This conversation came amidst ongoing tensions in the Taiwan Strait, with Beijing continuing to assert that Taiwan is part of China. Xi’s warning about arms sales follows a significant US arms deal to Taiwan, valued at approximately $11 billion, which included advanced weaponry such as rocket launchers and missiles. China has expressed its opposition to these arms sales, seeing them as a move towards Taiwanese independence.
Trump, who described the call as “excellent” and “long and thorough,” responded positively, highlighting his strong relationship with Xi. The two leaders also discussed broader topics, including the ongoing war in Ukraine, Iran’s geopolitical situation, and China’s interest in increasing purchases of US soybeans.
While the US maintains formal diplomatic relations with China rather than Taiwan, it has long supported Taiwan through arms sales, which Beijing has consistently opposed. Xi’s message underscores the delicate balance the US must strike in managing relations with China while continuing its support for Taiwan.
The call marks a continuation of the diplomatic engagement between the two nations, which had seen a positive shift following their meeting in South Korea last October. As Trump prepares for an official visit to China in April, these discussions will likely shape the future of US-China relations and the stability of the Taiwan issue.
