Trump to raise Taiwan arms sales with Xi in Beijing

US President Donald Trump announced on Monday that he plans to discuss American arms sales to Taiwan with Chinese President Xi Jinping during his upcoming visit to Beijing, signaling potential friction in bilateral talks scheduled to begin this week.

Taiwan arms and trade balance

Speaking to reporters at the White House, Trump confirmed that Taiwan's defense capabilities would feature prominently in discussions, acknowledging that Xi prefers Washington refrain from such transactions. "President Xi would like us not to, and I'll have that discussion," Trump said, describing the arms sales as one of many topics on the agenda.

The US leader emphasized his administration's success in renegotiating trade terms with Beijing, stating that previous administrations had allowed the relationship to become one-sided. "We used to be taken advantage of for years … and now we're doing great with China," Trump said, noting that Washington now generates substantial revenue through the partnership.

Hormuz blockade and ceasefire

Trump addressed the ongoing blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, observing that China receives approximately 40% of its oil supplies through the strategic waterway. Beijing has opposed US and Israeli strikes against Iran as "illegal" and identified them as the "root cause" of maritime disruptions, though Trump noted that Beijing maintains an interest in de-escalation.

The visit marks Trump's first official trip to China in nearly nine years and comes as a Pakistan-mediated ceasefire — extended since taking effect on April 8 — holds between Washington and Tehran, though negotiators have yet to secure a permanent end to hostilities that have killed over 3,300 people in Iran.