China Warns U.S. Over $11 Billion Taiwan Arms Package Ahead of 2-Day Trump-Xi Summit
Updated
Updated · Reuters · May 13
China Warns U.S. Over $11 Billion Taiwan Arms Package Ahead of 2-Day Trump-Xi Summit
14 articles · Updated · Reuters · May 13
China on Wednesday renewed its opposition to U.S. arms sales to Taiwan, pressing Washington to honor past commitments just before Donald Trump arrives in Beijing for two days of talks with Xi Jinping.
The warning centers on the $11 billion Taiwan weapons package approved in December, the largest ever, with Taiwan and military ties expected to be a key point of friction at the summit.
Taipei's position has been complicated by parliament's approval of only two-thirds of President Lai Ching-te's requested $40 billion special defense budget, funding U.S. purchases but cutting domestic programs such as drones.
U.S. officials have already voiced disappointment with the reduced spending, and a senior Taiwan security official said Beijing could use that cut to urge Trump to scale back support; a reported second package worth about $14 billion remains unclear.
The dispute comes as Lai calls Taiwan a sovereign, independent nation and Beijing repeats that it would never accept Taiwan as a country, while keeping force on the table despite saying it prefers peaceful reunification.
As Taipei cuts its own defense budget, will Washington begin to doubt its commitment as an ally?
Could President Trump's summit with Xi Jinping lead to a deal that compromises Taiwan's security?
Can a new U.S. trade pact shield Taiwan when its own defense programs are being weakened?
How the $11 Billion US Arms Deal is Reshaping Taiwan’s Defense and US-China Relations
Overview
In December 2025, the United States announced a record $11.1 billion arms package for Taiwan, responding to growing military pressure from Beijing and Taiwan’s rejection of China’s sovereignty claims. This move was part of President Trump’s broader strategy to boost weapons sales to Taipei, aiming to deter China and reassure U.S. policymakers concerned about Taiwan’s security. The package’s size reflected both the perceived threat from China and Trump’s demand for allies to strengthen their own defenses. These developments have intensified debates in Taiwan over defense spending and drawn strong reactions from China, highlighting rising tensions in the region.