Beijing Warns Washington: Arms Sales to Taiwan Could Scuttle Xi-Trump Meeting

Afghan Voice Agency (AVA) – International Service: According to a report by Kyodo News, sources familiar with China-US relations stated that, while preparing for Xi Jinping’s visit to Washington, Beijing has reiterated its stance regarding the Taiwan issue as a "red line" in bilateral relations. China emphasized that if any new arms sales to Taiwan are approved prior to the summit scheduled for September 24 at the White House the meeting would be cancelled. Trump has announced plans to host Xi and his wife at the White House and hold an official state dinner; however, the Chinese government has not yet officially confirmed Xi's visit to the US.

 

Last December, the Trump administration approved an arms package for Taiwan worth approximately $11 billion the largest arms sale to the island in history which sparked a strong reaction from Beijing. Reports indicate that Washington also halted another arms package worth about $14 billion in May to ensure sufficient stockpiles for a potential conflict with Iran. During a meeting with Trump in Beijing last May, Xi Jinping had previously described Taiwan as the "most important issue" in relations between the two nations, warning that failure to manage it correctly could lead to potential conflict. Responding to this warning on Sunday while at a golf course in Ireland, Donald Trump told reporters he was not worried about the meeting being cancelled. Trump stated, "No, I’m not worried about it. We have a good relationship. He wants to get along with us, and we want to get along with them, and we will." He also noted that China has treated the U.S. "fairly" over the past few years. However, Trump did not directly answer whether Washington would approve a new arms sale package for Taiwan prior to the summit.

 

If it takes place, this summit will mark the third face-to-face meeting between Xi and Trump in the past year. In addition to the Taiwan issue, topics such as the conflict involving Iran, trade, and artificial intelligence are expected to be discussed.

 

China is a key economic partner for Tehran and has repeatedly emphasized the illegality of U.S. and Israeli attacks on Iran. The summit is being planned at a time when U.S.-China relations are strained by multiple issues including Taiwan, trade, and the conflict involving Iran and any cancellation could represent a significant diplomatic setback for Trump ahead of the November midterm elections.