President Donald Trump reportedly asked Chinese President Xi Jinping whether China would be interested in buying U.S. weapons while defending Washington’s continued arms sales to Taiwan.
U.S. Ambassador to China David Perdue revealed the exchange during an appearance on “Fox News Sunday.” According to Perdue, Trump argued that the United States sells weapons to countries around the world and, at one point, asked Xi whether China would like to buy some as well.
The unusual remark came amid renewed debate over U.S. military support for Taiwan. Lawmakers from both parties have raised concerns about delays involving weapons orders and assistance intended to help Taiwan defend itself against a potential Chinese attack.
Perdue rejected suggestions that Washington was limiting support for Taiwan to satisfy Beijing. He said Trump remains strongly supportive of Taiwan and that discussions with Xi about future U.S. weapons sales to the island are continuing.
The United States does not formally recognize Taiwan as an independent country but remains its most important arms supplier and unofficial international supporter. U.S. law also requires Washington to provide Taiwan with the means necessary for its defense.
China strongly opposes U.S. arms sales to Taiwan and has repeatedly urged Washington to stop them. Beijing considers Taiwan part of China and has not ruled out using force to bring the island under its control.
The issue has also become part of broader U.S.-China negotiations. After an earlier Trump-Xi summit in Beijing, the United States paused a record $14 billion weapons package, with Trump describing arms sales to Taiwan as a potentially valuable negotiating tool.
During their latest private talks at the White House, Xi again urged Trump to oppose Taiwanese independence, according to Chinese state media.
China’s Foreign Ministry did not confirm Perdue’s account of Trump offering U.S. weapons to Xi. A spokesperson instead said China develops its defense capabilities according to its own needs while remaining committed to global peace and stability.