U.S. officials are weighing whether to delay announcing a new arms sale to Taiwan as President Donald Trump prepares for talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping focused on trade relations, according to officials and regional analysts.
Chinese officials have objected to the proposed weapons package, and U.S. officials are considering postponing public approval until after Trump’s planned visit to China. The administration has not confirmed any changes to policy, and the White House said no formal decision has been announced.
Analysts said delaying the announcement could reflect the administration’s effort to stabilize trade ties with Beijing while maintaining support for Taiwan’s defense.
Past U.S. administrations have delayed or timed arms sales announcements around major diplomatic engagements with China.
The United States remains Taiwan’s primary security partner under the Taiwan Relations Act. China considers Taiwan part of its territory and regularly opposes U.S. military support to Taipei.