As Donald Trump prepares to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping this week, officials in Taiwan are closely watching the discussions amid concerns that the island’s future and US arms support could become part of negotiations between both leaders.
Although Taiwanese authorities have publicly expressed confidence in their relationship with the United States, some American officials and analysts fear Trump could make concessions to China on Taiwan if he seeks Beijing’s cooperation on broader global issues, including tensions involving Iran.
Under the long-standing “One China” policy, the US acknowledges China’s position that Taiwan is part of its territory but has never officially recognised Beijing’s sovereignty over the self-governing island. Washington, however, maintains strong unofficial ties with Taiwan and continues to supply advanced military equipment to help the island defend itself.
Despite repeated assurances from US officials that American policy toward Taiwan remains unchanged, concerns persist that Trump’s approach to diplomacy could create uncertainty for Taipei.
Speaking at the White House, Trump confirmed that arms sales to Taiwan would likely come up during his talks with Xi.
“I’m going to have that discussion,” Trump told reporters. “President Xi would like us not to, and I’ll have that discussion.”
The remarks reportedly raised concerns in Taiwan that future US arms deals could be delayed or affected by negotiations with China.
The Trump administration has yet to formally approve a proposed arms package to Taiwan reportedly worth about $14 billion, while Beijing has consistently opposed any military support from Washington to the island.
Ahead of the meeting, a bipartisan group of US senators urged Trump not to negotiate away American support for Taiwan.
“You should make clear to Beijing that American support for Taiwan is not up for negotiation,” the lawmakers stated in a letter.
Taiwanese officials have also admitted privately that they are worried about the outcome of the Trump-Xi summit.
Taiwan’s Deputy Foreign Minister, Francois Wu, said the government’s biggest fear is that Taiwan could become part of a political bargain between both countries.
“What we are most afraid of is putting Taiwan on the table during talks between Xi Jinping and President Trump,” he said.
China, meanwhile, is expected to strongly push its claim over Taiwan during the meeting. Xi has repeatedly described reunification with Taiwan as inevitable and has refused to rule out the use of military force.
Analysts believe Beijing sees the talks as an opportunity to pressure Washington into limiting support for Taiwan, especially at a time when global tensions and conflicts are stretching US military resources.
Taiwan is also monitoring concerns over America’s military stockpiles following recent conflicts involving Iran, as delays in weapons deliveries could affect Taiwan’s defence preparedness.
Although there are no immediate signs of a Chinese invasion, tensions remain high as China continues military drills around the island while Taiwan increases defence spending and strengthens preparations for any potential conflict.
