US Must Be Prudent on Taiwan Arms Supply, Xi Tells Trump

Xi Warns US Over Taiwan Arms Supply in Call With Trump

Beijing/Washington:
Chinese President Xi Jinping has warned the United States to exercise “prudence” while supplying weapons to Taiwan, calling the issue the most sensitive and consequential flashpoint in China–US relations. The warning came during a recent phone call with US President Donald Trump, highlighting growing strategic friction between the world’s two largest economies.

According to China’s official account of the call, Xi emphasised that Taiwan is a core national interest for Beijing and cautioned Washington against actions that could further destabilise regional peace. The remarks come amid renewed US efforts to bolster Taiwan’s defence capabilities through major arms packages.

Xi Jinping warns Donald Trump over US arms sales to Taiwan during high-level diplomatic talks — Chinese President Xi Jinping and US President Donald Trump during a past bilateral meeting, as tensions rise over US arms sales to Taiwan.

Why Taiwan Remains a Red Line for China

Taiwan has long been the single most contentious issue in China–US relations. Beijing considers the self-ruled island an inseparable part of its territory and has repeatedly stated it does not rule out the use of force to achieve reunification.

Any foreign military support to Taiwan is viewed by China as direct interference in its internal affairs. Over the years, US arms sales to Taiwan have triggered diplomatic protests, sanctions on American defence firms, and large-scale Chinese military exercises near the island.

Xi’s message to Trump reflects this long-standing stance, reinforcing that US arms sales to Taiwan threaten trust and stability between Beijing and Washington

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The US Position: Support Without Recognition

The United States does not formally recognise Taiwan as a sovereign nation, but it remains its most important security partner. Washington’s Taiwan policy is guided by a delicate balance that includes:

The Taiwan Relations Act
The Three Joint Communiqués with China
The Six Assurances given to Taiwan

Under these frameworks, the US supplies Taiwan with defensive weapons to help maintain its ability to resist coercion, without explicitly committing to military intervention.

A senior White House official reiterated after the Xi-Trump call that US policy toward Taiwan has not changed, despite Beijing’s objections.

Proposed Arms Deal Fuels Diplomatic Friction

At the centre of the latest tension is a multi-billion-dollar US arms package proposed for Taiwan, which reportedly includes advanced missiles, drones, and artillery systems. The deal, once approved by Congress, would be among the largest defence packages offered to Taiwan in recent years.

China reacted sharply to the announcement, launching large-scale military drills around Taiwan late last year. Chinese warplanes and naval vessels were seen operating close to the island, signalling Beijing’s readiness to escalate pressure if needed.

Security analysts say such moves increase the risk of miscalculation in the Taiwan Strait, one of the world’s most strategically sensitive waterways.

Trump Calls Talks ‘Positive’, Signals Diplomatic Engagement

Despite the stern warning from Xi, President Trump described the conversation as “very good” and “constructive” in a social media post. He also indicated that both sides discussed broader issues, including trade and agriculture.

Trump said he was looking forward to a potential visit to China later this year, signalling that Washington is keen to keep diplomatic channels open even as strategic rivalry deepens.

Observers note that Trump’s tone suggests a desire to prevent the Taiwan issue from derailing cooperation in other areas, especially trade and global economic stability.

Taiwan Responds With Confidence

Following the call, Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te reassured citizens and allies that Taiwan’s relationship with the United States remains “strong and stable.”

Speaking at a public event, Lai said Taiwan would continue to strengthen its self-defence capabilities while maintaining open communication with international partners. However, Taiwan’s internal politics have complicated defence planning, with opposition parties questioning the scale and cost of military spending.

Still, Taiwan’s government insists that deterrence is essential as Chinese military pressure intensifies.

Global Implications Beyond Asia

The Taiwan issue extends far beyond regional politics. Any escalation could disrupt global supply chains, particularly in the semiconductor industry, where Taiwan plays a critical role. It could also draw in US allies such as Japan and Australia, potentially reshaping security dynamics across the Indo-Pacific.

Experts say Xi’s warning to Trump should be seen as part of a broader strategy to set boundaries while keeping dialogue alive. At the same time, Washington appears unwilling to reduce military support for Taiwan, viewing it as essential to regional balance.

What Lies Ahead

While both leaders struck a diplomatic tone publicly, the underlying tensions remain unresolved. As the US moves forward with arms sales and China continues military signalling, the Taiwan Strait is likely to remain a central test of China-US relations in the coming months.

The challenge for both sides will be managing competition without crossing into confrontation — a task that grows more difficult as geopolitical stakes continue to rise.

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