US President Donald Trump has indicated he has yet to decide whether to proceed with a major arms package for Taiwan after Chinese President Xi Jinping personally raised objections during bilateral talks in Beijing.
The remarks came as Trump concluded a three-day visit to China intended to steady relations between the world’s two largest powers amid escalating tensions over Taiwan, the Iran conflict and global security.
“I’ll be making decisions,” AP cited Trump telling reporters aboard Air Force One. “But, you know, I think the last thing we need right now is a war that’s 9,500 miles away.”
The Republican administration previously authorised an unprecedented US$11 billion arms package for Taiwan in December, while lawmakers approved a further US$14 billion sale in January. However, the latter cannot proceed until Trump formally submits it to Congress.
Beijing, which regards Taiwan as part of its territory, has repeatedly condemned American military support for the island, warning that the issue remains the central fault line in Sino-American relations.
Trump disclosed that Xi reiterated China’s uncompromising position against Taiwanese independence during private discussions.
“I heard him out,” Trump said. “I didn’t make a comment.”
The comments have sparked concern among foreign policy analysts and Republican lawmakers, particularly because longstanding United States policy principles known as the “Six Assurances” explicitly state Washington would not consult Beijing regarding arms sales to Taiwan.
Trump acknowledged that the issue was raised during discussions with Xi.
Despite differences over Taiwan, both leaders publicly portrayed the summit as constructive and aimed at restoring strategic stability between Washington and Beijing.
“It’s been really a great couple of days,” Trump said following the final round of talks at Zhongnanhai, the Chinese leadership compound.
Xi described the visit as a diplomatic milestone.
“We have established a new bilateral relationship, or rather a constructive, strategic, stable relationship,” he said.
The summit also focused heavily on the ongoing Iran conflict and fears of wider economic disruption caused by instability in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global oil shipping route.
Trump said both governments agreed the waterway must be reopened to safeguard international energy supplies.
“We feel very similar about (how) we want it to end,” Trump said of the Iran crisis. “We don’t want them to have a nuclear weapon.”
The US president also revealed that he had discussed the possibility of a new trilateral nuclear agreement involving the United States, China and Russia aimed at limiting nuclear warheads.
“I got a very positive response,” Trump said. “This is the beginning.”
China has historically resisted joining such negotiations, arguing that its nuclear arsenal remains significantly smaller than those of the United States and Russia.
While the summit projected a tone of cautious optimism, deep divisions remain unresolved. Chinese officials reportedly warned that mishandling Taiwan could push the two powers towards “clashes and even conflicts”.
Meanwhile, senior American officials insisted Washington’s policy towards Taiwan remained unchanged.
Marco Rubio said it would be “a terrible mistake” for China to attempt to seize Taiwan by force.
Republican lawmakers also pressed Trump to move ahead with the delayed weapons package.
Brian Fitzpatrick said: “We have to support Taiwan, just like we have to support Ukraine.”
Michael McCaul added: “We’ve got to arm Taiwan so they can defend themselves for deterrence.” - May 16, 2026
