US weapons sales to Taiwan have been longstanding source of tension with Beijing, which claims island as its territory.
Listen Listen (2 mins) Save Click here to share on social media share-nodes Share facebook x whatsapp-stroke copylink google Add Al Jazeera on Google info Taiwanese soldiers with missile launcher during an annual military exercise in Taichung in January [Ann Wang/Reuters] By Al Jazeera Staff and Reuters Published On 11 May 2026 11 May 2026 Donald Trump says he will raise the issue of US arms sales to Taiwan during his meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping later this week.
Trump reiterated his belief that a conflict with China over the status of Taiwan was unlikely in the near future.
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US defence support for Taiwan has long been a source of tension and potential flashpoint with Beijing, which claims the island as an essential part of its territory. The self-governed island has rejected threats of Chinese military force and insisted that its people must be free to decide their future.
The US is Taiwan’s most important backer and has provided the island with weapons that could be used to counter a potential Chinese assault. Trump announced a weapons package for Taiwan worth more than $11bn in December, the largest in history.
Also in December, China launched a series of provocative military drills simulating a blockade of Taiwanese ports, seen by many as a warning against outside forces aiding Taiwan.
While China has condemned US weapons sales, the US takes no official position on Taiwanese sovereignty and has called on Taipei and Beijing to peacefully resolve questions about the island’s status.
Advertisement “I don’t think it’ll happen,” Trump said when asked about the potential for an eruption of tensions between the US and China over Taiwan. “I think we’ll be fine. I have a very good relationship with President Xi . He knows I don’t want that to happen.”
