Trump Calls Taiwan Arms Deal a Negotiating Chip
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- Trump said arms sales to Taiwan are a “very good negotiating chip” in U.S.-China talks during a Fox News interview with Bret Baier, after his high‑stakes visit to China.
- Trump said the $14 billion arms package to Taiwan is on hold and depends on China’s response.
- U.S. law obligates Washington to provide Taiwan with defensive weapons, and a separate $11 billion arms package was approved by Trump and Congress in December, prompting Chinese live‑fire drills around the island.
- Xi warned that mishandling Taiwan could lead to “clashes and even conflicts,” while William Yang of the International Crisis Group warned Taiwan could become “on the menu” if arms sales are used as leverage.
- Taiwan’s presidential office reiterated that U.S. policy toward the island remains unchanged and thanked Trump for his support.
Why it matters: Taiwan’s defense timeline stalls as the U.S. leverages $14 bn weapons for China, risking delayed protection and heightened regional tension; Beijing gains bargaining power while Taiwan’s security is jeopardized.
