diplomacyFriday, May 15, 202618 sources

Trump Announces Delay in Taiwan Arms Sales Amid Diplomatic Tensions with China

During a meeting in Beijing, President Donald Trump discussed potential arms sales to Taiwan with Chinese President Xi Jinping, framing the issue as a 'very good negotiating chip.' Taiwan pressed the U.S. for arms, citing legal protections, while Trump delayed a decision, warning of risks of conflict with China.

Trump stated during his meeting with Xi Jinping in Beijing that he had discussed Taiwan arms sales in detail, calling the potential deal a 'very good negotiating chip' with China. However, he stopped short of approving arms sales, leaving the decision pending. Taiwan, which has long relied on U.S. military support, emphasized that arms sales are protected by American law and are not a negotiable concession with China, despite Trump's delay in making a decision.

Where Sources Diverge

Some sources report that Trump discussed arms sales with Xi in great detail, while others note that he did not give ground to Xi.

nyt

The engagement between the president and the Chinese leader may have tested a decades-old U.S. assurance to Taiwan not to consult Beijing on the topic.

nikkei-asia

Taiwan arms sale in focus as Trump insists he gave no ground to Xi

There are discrepancies in the timing of Trump's decision on arms sales, with some sources reporting it as imminent and others noting delays.

reuters

Trump says he discussed Taiwan arms sales with Xi Jinping, decision soon

scmp

Trump keeps up suspense over arms to Taiwan, says no to war

Timelines

Sources

IndependentWashington PostMay 16, 09:15 PM
Trump's description of Taiwan as a ‘good negotiating chip’ with China raises anxieties - The Washington Post

Trump's description of Taiwan as a ‘good negotiating chip’ with China raises anxieties  The Washington Post

WireAssociated PressMay 16, 05:35 PM
Trump’s description of Taiwan as a ‘good negotiating chip’ with China raises anxieties - AP News

Trump’s description of Taiwan as a ‘good negotiating chip’ with China raises anxieties  AP News

PublicDeutsche WelleMay 16, 01:22 PM
Taiwan urges Trump to advance arms deal after China summit

Taiwan reminded the US of its commitment to provide it with arms after the US president warned the democratic, self-governing island against formally declaring independence in the wake of his summit with China's Xi.

IndependentStraits TimesMay 16, 11:06 AM
Taiwan presses for US arms sales amid Trump delay - The Straits Times

Taiwan presses for US arms sales amid Trump delay  The Straits Times

PublicNHK WorldMay 16, 10:44 AM
Trump calls potential arms sales to Taiwan 'very good negotiating chip' - nhk.or.jp

Trump calls potential arms sales to Taiwan 'very good negotiating chip'  nhk.or.jp

IndependentNew York TimesMay 16, 10:40 AM
Trump Turns Taiwan Arms Sales Into Bargaining Chip With China

The president said a potential arms deal for Taiwan was a “very good negotiating chip” in talks with Beijing. His words raise questions about the steadfastness of U.S. support.

IndependentNikkei AsiaMay 16, 07:01 AM
Taiwan arms sale in focus as Trump insists he gave no ground to Xi - Nikkei Asia

Taiwan arms sale in focus as Trump insists he gave no ground to Xi  Nikkei Asia

IndependentStraits TimesMay 16, 06:57 AM
Taiwan presses case for US arms after Trump delays sales decision - The Straits Times

Taiwan presses case for US arms after Trump delays sales decision  The Straits Times

WireReutersMay 16, 06:31 AM
Taiwan presses case for US arms after Trump says he is undecided on new sales - Reuters

Taiwan presses case for US arms after Trump says he is undecided on new sales  Reuters

IndependentBloombergMay 16, 02:31 AM
Trump to Decide Soon on Taiwan Arms Sale, Noncommittal to Xi - Bloomberg.com

Trump to Decide Soon on Taiwan Arms Sale, Noncommittal to Xi  Bloomberg.com

IndependentStraits TimesMay 15, 08:58 PM
Trump downplays risk of Sino-US conflict over Taiwan after historic meeting with Xi - The Straits Times

Trump downplays risk of Sino-US conflict over Taiwan after historic meeting with Xi  The Straits Times

IndependentSouth China Morning PostMay 15, 07:04 PM
‘May do it. May not do it’: Trump keeps up suspense over arms to Taiwan, says no to war

The United States will not fight a war over Taiwan, President Donald Trump has declared, while revealing that he and Chinese leader Xi Jinping “talked a lot” about the island during his state visit to Beijing. However, Trump stopped short of approving arms sales to the island, leaving open the future of major arms packages. In an interview with Fox News host Bret Baier in Beijing, Trump said: “I’m not looking to have somebody go independent and we’re supposed to travel 9,500 miles (about...

IndependentNew York TimesMay 15, 06:30 PM
Trump Discussed U.S. Arms Sales With Xi ‘In Great Detail’

The engagement between the president and the Chinese leader may have tested a decades-old U.S. assurance to Taiwan not to consult Beijing on the topic.

IndependentTimes of IndiaMay 15, 06:16 PM
US arms sales safe, ties to deepen: Taiwan's message to China after Trump-Xi meet

Taiwan asserted that U.S. arms sales are protected by American law, aiming to reassure its citizens after the Trump-Xi summit. Taipei emphasized its commitment to deepening strategic ties with the United States, stressing that military assistance is not a negotiable concession with China.

StateTASSMay 15, 05:59 PM
Trump to consult with Taiwan before deciding whether to continue selling arms to island

The US president warned that the US policy toward Taiwan risks provoking a confrontation between Washington and Beijing

IndependentStraits TimesMay 15, 04:46 PM
Trump says he discussed Taiwan arms sales with China’s Xi, decision soon - The Straits Times

Trump says he discussed Taiwan arms sales with China’s Xi, decision soon  The Straits Times

WireReutersMay 15, 03:39 PM
Trump says he discussed Taiwan arms sales with Xi Jinping, decision soon - Reuters

Trump says he discussed Taiwan arms sales with Xi Jinping, decision soon  Reuters

WireKyodo NewsMay 15, 02:34 PM
BREAKING NEWS: Trump says to decide what to do with U.S. arms sales to Taiwan soon - Japan Wire by Kyodo News

BREAKING NEWS: Trump says to decide what to do with U.S. arms sales to Taiwan soon  Japan Wire by Kyodo News