Full Breakdown
Trump Asks Chinese Leader Xi Jinping About Purchasing U.S. Weapons, Ambassador Says
By Drooid · · How we work
Trump’s Direct Offer to Xi on Arms Sales
U.S. Ambassador to China David Perdue told “Fox News Sunday” that President Donald Trump asked President Xi Jinping whether China would be interested in buying American weapons. Perdue described the question as a “surprise admission” that came during Xi’s recent three-day visit to the United States.
Context of the U.S.–China Arms Dialogue
The inquiry occurred amid broader talks on Taiwan, where the United States has long maintained strategic ambiguity about military intervention. The Trump administration had paused a roughly $14 billion weapons sale to Taiwan while negotiating trade issues, yet Perdue noted that $11 billion of that package had already been approved and that “continuing conversations about other sales” were ongoing. The backdrop includes reports that China obtained sensitive F-35 fighter-jet parts that had been sent to Hong Kong, though the purpose of that transfer remains unclear.
Official Statements & Responses
position. He also said that during the talks Trump pressed Xi on Beijing’s support for Iran, receiving assurances that China was adjusting its policy and looking into the matter. Perdue characterized the outcome as “some improvement” but warned that continued effort would be needed to keep China out of Iranian activities.
Verbatim Quotes
- “President Trump continues to say, ‘Hey, we sell arms to other people around the world.’ He actually asked President Xi, would he like to buy some at one point,” — China David Perdue
The ambassador’s remarks provide the only public confirmation that President Trump directly broached the prospect of Chinese arms purchases, framing the discussion within the larger, often-tense U.S.–China relationship over Taiwan and regional security.