Xi Warns Trump $14 Billion Taiwan Arms Sale Could Push U.S.-China Ties Into Danger
Updated
Updated · The New York Times · May 14
Xi Warns Trump $14 Billion Taiwan Arms Sale Could Push U.S.-China Ties Into Danger
17 articles · Updated · The New York Times · May 14
At their first talks in Beijing, Xi told Trump U.S.-China relations could become “extremely dangerous” if Washington mishandles Taiwan, calling it the most critical issue between the two powers.
The warning centered on a possible new U.S. weapons package for Taiwan worth about $14 billion, which Trump is weighing after approving an $11 billion sale late last year.
U.S. officials had delayed any decision before the summit to avoid provoking Xi, while Taiwan’s legislature last week approved $25 billion in special funding for missiles and other American weapons.
Any direct discussion of Taiwan arms sales with Beijing could also stir concern in Taipei because Reagan’s 1982 “six assurances” said Washington would not consult China before such sales.
Would a clear US promise to defend Taiwan deter China, or provoke the very conflict it seeks to prevent?
How can the world counter China’s “gray zone” pressure on Taiwan without triggering a full-scale military conflict?
Is Taiwan's dominance in advanced chips its ultimate shield or the very prize that invites a global crisis?
May 2026 Showdown: Xi, Trump, and the Future of Taiwan in U.S.-China Rivalry
Overview
During U.S. President Donald Trump's visit to China in May 2026, the issue of Taiwan becomes the main focus, highlighting the growing strategic competition between Washington and Beijing. As both sides expand their military capabilities and harden their political rhetoric, Taiwan stands as a crucial test of whether the two powers can avoid direct confrontation. Chinese President Xi Jinping's administration firmly reiterates that Taiwan is an inseparable part of China and will never be a country, sending a direct warning to the United States and the international community. This unwavering stance underscores the high stakes and risks of miscalculation in the region.