Donald Trump said he has discussed future U.S. arms sales to Taiwan with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, a disclosure that could raise concerns in Washington and Taipei. The U.S. is Taiwan’s primary weapons supplier under the Taiwan Relations Act, which commits the U.S. to help the island resist coercion.
Trump said the issue came up during a recent conversation with Xi and that a decision could come soon.
President Donald J. Trump appeared to suggest that the United States could potentially halt further weapons deliveries to Taiwan in order to appease Chinese President Xi Jinping, while speaking to reporters tonight aboard Air Force One.
— OSINTdefender (@sentdefender) February 17, 2026
Reporter: “President Xi, in your talk… pic.twitter.com/rzG4q2CtYE
The remarks follow reports that the administration is considering a major new arms package for Taiwan, potentially larger than the $11 billion deal approved in December. Proposed systems reportedly include Patriot and NASAMS air defense missiles.
Analysts say openly discussing arms sales with Beijing could conflict with long-standing U.S. assurances not to consult China on such decisions.
China claims Taiwan as its territory and has warned against U.S. military support. Trump said he maintains a strong relationship with Xi and plans to visit China later this year.
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TIPP Staff
