United States President Donald Trump has indicated that a decision on supplying additional weapons to Taiwan will be made in the near future, following cautionary remarks from Chinese leader Xi Jinping.
Speaking on Monday, Trump said discussions with Xi had been constructive and that a determination on further military support for Taiwan would come “pretty soon.” He also described his relationship with the Chinese president as positive.
The two leaders are scheduled to meet in Beijing in April, with Taiwan expected to feature prominently on the agenda. The issue of arms sales remains one of the most sensitive areas in US-China relations.
China regards Taiwan as part of its territory and has not ruled out the use of force to achieve unification, despite never having governed the island. Beijing has consistently opposed US arms sales to Taipei, warning that such actions undermine bilateral ties.
While Washington does not formally recognise Taiwan as a sovereign state, it remains the island’s principal arms supplier. In December 2025, the United States approved weapons sales to Taiwan valued at approximately $11 billion, a move that drew strong condemnation from Beijing and was followed by Chinese military drills around the island.
The debate comes amid ongoing efforts by Taiwan’s government to strengthen its defence posture. President Lai Ching-te has proposed a significant increase in defence spending, though the plan has faced resistance in the opposition-controlled parliament.
The latest development underscores continuing friction between Washington and Beijing, as both sides navigate strategic competition while seeking to maintain diplomatic engagement.
