Trump’s Taiwan Arms Deal as a Bargaining Chip

President Trump’s decision to hold up a $14 billion arms package to Taiwan benefits China. The move may lead China to consider delaying the weapon deliveries as long as possible.

President Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping met in Beijing recently. By using U.S. arms sales to Taiwan as a bargaining tool with China, Trump provides leverage to Xi in undermining the Taiwanese government.

China’s state media highlighted Trump’s comments, suggesting that Taiwan cannot rely on the United States for defense. The Global Times, a Chinese newspaper, emphasized that Taiwan, led by President Lai Ching-te and the Democratic Progressive Party, can no longer expect unconditional support from the U.S.

“Security cannot be bought with military purchases; if you become a pawn, you will only be squeezed dry,”

stated Colonel Jiang Bin, spokesperson for China’s Ministry of National Defense, in reference to Taiwan.

President Trump’s remarks were released after his meeting with Xi. In a Fox News interview, Trump mentioned keeping the decision about Taiwan’s arms package on hold as a “very good negotiating chip” with Beijing. However, it remains unclear what Trump expects from China in return.