Xi Jinping expected to urge Trump to halt Taiwan arms sales this week
by@Reuters
Summary
China's Xi Jinping is set to urge US President Donald Trump to halt arms sales to Taiwan during his visit to Washington this week, aligning with a 1982 joint statement that stipulates the US's intention to reduce such sales, contingent on China's commitment to peaceful resolutions regarding Taiwan. Despite the absence of formal diplomatic relations, the US is legally obligated to aid Taiwan in its self-defense, and arms sales have been a critical part of that support. As relations between the US and China strain over Taiwan's status, Xi's discussions could significantly influence future arms transactions, especially with a proposed $14 billion deal currently pending approval.
Analysis
Xi Jinping: Xi Jinping is the President of China and the top leader of the Chinese Communist Party. He is traveling to Washington this week for a summit with US President Donald Trump, where he is expected to raise China's interpretation of the 1982 joint communique and press for an end to US arms sales to Taiwan. Xi has positioned Taiwan as Beijing's most sensitive diplomatic priority in bilateral talks. Donald Trump: Donald Trump is serving as President of the United States in his second term. He is hosting Chinese leader Xi Jinping for meetings in Washington this week and faces decisions on pending arms sales packages to Taiwan while upholding the US legal obligation to support Taiwan's defense. Trump has previously approved multiple arms sales to Taiwan during both his terms. Pete Ricketts: Pete Ricketts is a Republican US Senator and chair of the Senate Foreign Relations subcommittee on East Asia. Ahead of the Trump-Xi summit, he publicly urged the administration to maintain a firm policy on Taiwan and continue supporting the island against any forcible change to the status quo. John Moolenaar: John Moolenaar is a Republican congressman and chairman of the House Select Committee on China. In a recent letter to President Trump, he called for rejecting Chinese objections to US arms sales and security cooperation with Taiwan and other Asian allies. Matt Pottinger: Matt Pottinger served as deputy national security adviser during President Trump's first term. He stated at a defense forum in Taipei that he anticipates Xi will lecture at length on Taiwan during the upcoming meetings but expects no substantive policy shifts. 1982 Communiques: Under the 1982 joint communique referenced by China, the US expressed intent to gradually reduce arms sales to Taiwan conditioned on Beijing's peaceful approach to cross-strait differences. One China Policy: The United States follows a one China policy under which it officially takes no position on Taiwan's sovereignty while acknowledging Beijing's position. Taiwan Defense Commitment: The US is bound by law to provide Taiwan with the means to defend itself despite the absence of formal diplomatic relations.
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