Full Breakdown
Trump Raises Prospect of Selling U.S. Weapons to China During Xi’s Washington Visit
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event: President Trump’s Offer to Sell Arms to Beijing
During a televised interview on September 27, 2026, U.S. Ambassador to China David Perdue said President Donald Trump asked Chinese President Xi Jinping whether Beijing would like to purchase American weapons. Perdue did not specify the timing of the question, the types of weapons discussed, or Xi’s response. The remark was made while the two leaders were meeting in Washington for Xi’s three-day state visit that began on September 25, 2026.
Background & Context
U.S. arms sales to Taiwan are mandated by the 1979 Taiwan Relations Act, which requires Washington to provide “defense articles and services” for the island’s self-defense. Federal law, reinforced by a 1990 export restriction and a 1982 bilateral assurance, bars the United States from selling defense articles on the U.S. Munitions List to mainland China.
Timeline
- September 23, 2026 – Four Republican senators, led by Sen. Mitch McConnell, sent a letter to Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Defense Secretary Pete Hegset urging release of funds for the Taiwan packages.
- September 25, 2026 – President Trump and President Xi met on the steps of the National Archives Museum in Washington.
- September 27, 2026 – Ambassador Perdue disclosed Trump’s arms-sale question in a Fox News Sunday interview.
Data & Statistics
- $14 billion – Taiwan arms package pending approval.
- $11 billion – Sale approved by the Trump administration in 2025 (reported by some outlets).
- 1990 – Congressional restriction on defense exports to China.
- 1979 – Taiwan Relations Act establishing U.S. arms-sale obligations.
Official Statements & Responses
- The White House, through a senior official, stated that the United States has no plans to sell weapons to China.
- Chinese state news agency Xinhua reported that Xi urged Trump to oppose “Taiwan independence” during their Washington talks.
- The Chinese Ministry of Defense, in a pre-visit warning, called for “extreme caution” on U.S. arms sales to Taiwan.
On-the-Ground Reports
In Taipei, Chen Ming-chi told reporters that despite a slowing Chinese economy, Beijing continues to invest heavily in military capacity, heightening the strategic threat to Taiwan.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on the exact value of the approved Taiwan sale: some cite $11 billion, while others reference $11.1 billion. No source disclosed whether Xi responded positively or negatively to Trump’s proposal, leaving the outcome unknown. The timing of the “very good negotiating chip” comment—whether made in May in Beijing or during the September Washington visit—remains unspecified.
Verbatim Quotes
- “President Trump continues to say, ‘Hey, we sell arms to other people around the world,’” — David Perdue, ambassador
- “US law prohibits arms sales to China and there is no offer or plan to sell arms to China.” — David Perdue, ambassador