Trump-Xi Summit to Discuss Taiwan Arms Sales

President Donald Trump told reporters on 11 May 2026 that he will raise U.S. weapons sales to Taiwan with Chinese President Xi Jinping during a summit in Beijing on 14-15 May. He said he would discuss the issue with Xi, noting that Xi prefers the United States not to proceed with further sales.

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Washington follows a “one-China” policy that acknowledges Beijing’s claim while, under the 1982 Six Assurances, supplying defensive weapons to Taiwan. In December 2025 the administration approved an $11 billion arms package, the largest ever, and a $14 billion package remains pending. Taiwan’s legislature passed a $25 billion special defense budget, and the island produces roughly 90 % of the world’s advanced semiconductors.

Beijing to push Trump on Taiwan, with potentially global consequences

Key dates: December 2025 – $11 billion sale approved; February 2026 – Trump says he consulted Xi; 11 May 2026 – Trump announces the upcoming discussion; 14-15 May 2026 – summit in Beijing. Principal actors include President Donald Trump, President Xi Jinping, Deputy Foreign Minister Chen Ming-chi, Senators Jeanne Shaheen, John Curtis, and Senator Marco Rubio.

The Sydney Morning Herald

Trump stressed his “very good relationship” with Xi and expressed confidence the two leaders will avoid conflict. Senator Marco Rubio affirmed that U.S. policy toward Taiwan “has not changed.” Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi urged Washington to “make the right choices” on Taiwan. Senators Shaheen and Curtis wrote that U.S. support for Taiwan is “inviolable.”

PBS News Hour

Deputy Foreign Minister Chen Ming-chi said Taiwan views the United States as “the most reliable partner.” Analysts warned that shifting from “does not support independence” to “opposes independence” could have major security implications for Taiwan. Senators warned the stalled $14 billion package might be used as leverage.

Taipei Times

Some outlets say the $14 billion package is formally approved; others say it remains pending State Department clearance. Reuters and Al Jazeera report Trump “has discussed” the sale with Xi, while other reports note the administration “has not yet moved forward with delivery” of the $11 billion package. The summit’s impact on U.S. arms policy is unverified.

The Sydney Morning Herald

• “I’m going to have that discussion with President Xi.” — Donald Trump, President of the United States

The Straits Times

• “You can make clear to Beijing that as you seek to level the economic playing field, American support for Taiwan is not up for negotiation.” — Jeanne Shaheen and John Curtis, Senators (letter)

Washington Examiner

• “We don't want to see any forced or compelled change in the situation,” — Marco Rubio, U.S. Senator

PBS News Hour

• “I think the best-case scenario Taiwan can hope for is that Taiwan is not talked about publicly or, at the very least, in a minimal way,” — Lev Nachman, Professor, National Taiwan University

PBS News Hour

The summit’s result will be judged by any public statements on Taiwan, the fate of the $14 billion package, and whether Beijing secures a shift in U.S. diplomatic language. Analysts expect implications for cross-strait stability and broader U.S.–China economic and security ties.

Taipei Times