Trump’s Taiwan Arms Deal Decision Benefits China

President Trump has decided to hold off on a $14 billion arms deal with Taiwan. This move benefits China. The decision may allow China to delay the delivery of these weapons.

U.S. arms sales to Taiwan serve as a tool for negotiation with China. This action aids Xi Jinping’s agenda to weaken Taiwan. On Monday, China’s state media highlighted Trump’s decision. They suggested that the U.S. is not a reliable partner for Taiwan, which China views as its own.

President Lai Ching-te of Taiwan and his party face uncertainty. The Global Times, a Chinese newspaper, noted that Taiwan may not have “unconditional support” from the U.S. Col. Jiang Bin of China’s Ministry of National Defense remarked that security cannot be bought. He warned that relying on military purchases could leave Taiwan vulnerable.

Trump’s comments followed a summit with Xi in Beijing. Over the weekend, he shared in an interview with Fox News that he is using the weapons package as a negotiation tool with China. He stated, “I’m holding that in abeyance and it depends on China.” His specific demands from China remain unclear.