Trump Offered US Weapons to Xi Jinping During White House Talks

Ambassador David Perdue defended the administration's stance on Sunday, insisting that Trump remains committed to Taiwan’s defense despite the casual offer made to his Chinese counterpart. The suggestion that Washington could sell arms to its primary geopolitical rival marks a striking departure from decades of established policy. Such a deal would not only fundamentally shift the regional power balance but also risk exposing sensitive American defense technology to a potential adversary.

Legislators from both parties have raised alarms over delays in military aid packages for Taiwan, fearing that the White House may be throttling support to appease Beijing. While the United States is legally obligated to provide Taiwan with defensive capabilities, the relationship remains defined by strategic ambiguity. Trump has previously characterized these arms sales as leverage, famously labeling them a negotiating chip during earlier summits. While Chinese officials declined to comment directly on the offer, Beijing continues to demand an end to all military cooperation between Washington and Taipei.