**Trump Proposed Arms Sale to China During Xi's Visit, U.S. Ambassador Reveals**
*By Gavin Blackburn, Euronews World - September 28, 2026*
In a recent interview with Fox News, U.S. Ambassador to China David Perdue disclosed that President Donald Trump offered to sell arms to China during a visit by Chinese President Xi Jinping to the United States. This revelation comes amidst ongoing tensions surrounding U.S. arms sales to Taiwan, a self-governing island that China claims as part of its territory.
The 1979 Taiwan Relations Act mandates the United States to provide Taiwan with the necessary means for its defense, a commitment that has been a source of friction between Washington and Beijing for decades. During his interview, Perdue stated that Trump raised the issue of arms sales during Xi's visit, suggesting that the U.S. sells arms to various countries and inquiring if Xi would be interested in purchasing some.
"There are continuing conversations about other sales; (Trump) and President Xi talk about that every time they get together," Perdue noted, emphasizing that the U.S. position on Taiwan remains unchanged.
The backdrop to these discussions includes a significant arms package approved by the U.S. for Taiwan, valued at $11.1 billion (€9.7 billion), which Perdue described as the largest sale of arms to Taiwan since the enactment of the Taiwan Relations Act. This development has drawn criticism from China, which has consistently warned Taiwan against pursuing independence, particularly with support from the United States.
During Xi's visit to Washington, he reiterated his stance on Taiwan, urging Trump to exercise caution and explicitly opposing Taiwan's independence. This meeting highlighted the delicate balance the U.S. must maintain in its relations with both China and Taiwan.
In May, Trump had previously suggested that the upcoming arms package for Taiwan could serve as a bargaining tool in negotiations with China, raising concerns over the potential implications for Taiwan's security. The idea that Taiwan's defense could be leveraged in diplomatic discussions has alarmed many observers, who fear it may undermine the island's position in the face of Chinese aggression.
As tensions continue to escalate in the region, the dynamics of U.S.-China relations remain complex, with arms sales to Taiwan at the forefront of the dialogue. The U.S. commitment to Taiwan's defense, coupled with ongoing discussions about potential arms sales to China, underscores the intricate and often contentious nature of international relations in East Asia.
As the situation develops, both the U.S. and China will likely continue to navigate these sensitive issues, with the implications of Trump's proposals reverberating through the geopolitical landscape.