Trump Announces Direct Talks With Xi Over Taiwan Arms Sales Ahead of April Visit

Updated 2026-02-18 19:18:11+00:00 (6 articles)

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President Donald Trump, left, and Chinese President Xi Jinping, right, shake hands before their meeting at Gimhae International Airport in Busan, South Korea, on October 30, 2025. Source Full size
Image: Newsweek

President Donald Trump, left, and Chinese President Xi Jinping, right, shake hands before their meeting at Gimhae International Airport in Busan, South Korea, on October 30, 2025. Source Full size

Trump Publicly Claims Direct Dialogue With Xi The president told reporters on Air Force One that he had spoken with Chinese President Xi Jinping about future arms sales to Taiwan and expected a decision “pretty soon” [1][2]. He framed the conversation as a “good” one, marking the first public acknowledgment of U.S.–China consultation on the issue. The statement surprised diplomats in Taipei, who had not been briefed on any such discussion.

Xi Emphasizes Taiwan as Top Bilateral Issue In a February 4 phone call, Xi described Taiwan as “the most important issue in China‑U.S. relations,” according to China’s foreign ministry readout [1][2]. He warned the United States to act prudently on any weapons transfers, reiterating Beijing’s long‑standing red line. The remark underscored the sensitivity of the arms‑sale debate and heightened diplomatic tension.

Potential New Arms Package May Surpass $11 Billion Deal Sources cited by the Financial Times indicate the next proposal could exceed the December $11 billion sale, possibly adding Patriot missiles, NASAMS air‑defense systems, and two additional weapon types [1][2]. Analysts note that such a package would represent the largest U.S. arms export to Taiwan to date. The prospect of a larger deal fuels concerns about a breach of the “Six Assurances,” which forbid U.S. consultation with Beijing on Taiwan weapons sales.

Taiwan’s Defense Budget Faces Sharp Legislative Split Lawmakers will review a special defense budget after the February 23 recess; the administration seeks $40 billion, while opposition parties propose a $12.7 billion package [1][2]. President Lai’s request reflects heightened security worries, whereas critics argue the larger sum is fiscally untenable. U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth reiterated Taiwan’s strategic importance amid the budget dispute.

April China Visit Expected to Center on Taiwan Trump plans his first China trip of the term for April, aiming to build on the October Busan summit and address trade, technology, and the Taiwan question [1][2]. The visit is likely to feature direct talks with Xi about the pending arms package and broader regional stability. Observers warn the trip could set a precedent for future U.S. policy on Taiwan.

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Timeline

June 2025 – The United States conducts a bombing raid on three Iranian nuclear sites, a backdrop for Trump’s later hard‑line stance toward Iran and the import‑tax threat he later announces [5].

Oct 2025 – President Trump and President Xi meet in Busan, South Korea, reaching agreements that ease tariffs, lift a soybean ban and relax rare‑earth export controls, laying the diplomatic groundwork for later phone talks [1].

Nov 24, 2025 – The last direct phone conversation between Trump and Xi occurs, ending a month‑long silence before their February 2026 call [6].

Dec 2025 – The Trump administration approves a record‑breaking $11 billion foreign military sale to Taiwan that includes advanced rocket launchers, self‑propelled howitzers and missiles, prompting Beijing to protest the move as “dangerous” [1][3].

Feb 4, 2026 – Trump and Xi hold a “long and thorough” phone call covering Taiwan, Ukraine, Iran, trade and energy, marking their first conversation since Nov 24 2025; Trump later posts on Truth Social that the relationship is “extremely good” and the discussion was “very positive” [6][3].

Feb 4, 2026 – Xi warns Trump to exercise “extreme caution” on any Taiwan arms transfers, reiterating that Taiwan is “the most important issue in China‑U.S. relations” and that China will never allow separation [3][4].

Feb 4, 2026 – Xi holds a virtual meeting with Russian President Putin hours before speaking with Trump, both leaders praising stronger Beijing‑Moscow ties [3].

Feb 4, 2026 – Washington unveils a $10 billion Taiwan arms package that adds medium‑range missiles, howitzers and drones, prompting Beijing to issue a stern warning about Taiwan’s status [5].

Feb 4, 2026 – Trump announces a 25 % import tax on any country that does business with Iran, targeting nations like China that trade heavily with Tehran [5].

Feb 5, 2026 – Xi urges the United States to handle Taiwan weapons sales with prudence, echoing his earlier caution and linking the issue to broader Sino‑U.S. dialogue [1].

Feb 5, 2026 – The New START nuclear‑arms treaty expires, raising concerns that future arms‑control talks must now involve China, according to Trump [3].

Feb 7, 2026 – The United States and Iran hold high‑level talks in Oman (moved from Turkey at Iran’s request), a diplomatic move discussed in Trump’s February 4 call [5].

Feb 17, 2026 – On Air Force One, Trump tells reporters he has “talked to” Xi about future Taiwan arms sales and expects a decision soon, publicly acknowledging direct U.S.–China dialogue on the issue [2].

Feb 18, 2026 – Analysts warn Trump’s public remarks may breach the “Six Assurances,” which forbid U.S. consultation with China on Taiwan arms sales, raising diplomatic alarm in Washington and Taipei [4][2].

Feb 23, 2026 – Taiwan’s parliament reconvenes to review a special $40 billion defense budget, a response to rising Chinese pressure and uncertainty over U.S. arms commitments [4].

Apr 2026 – President Trump plans his first in‑term visit to China, aiming to extend the October Busan trade truce and address Taiwan, trade, technology and regional security issues [2][4].

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