Trump holds off on $14bn Taiwan arms sale after Xi warning

President Donald Trump left Beijing undecided on whether to approve a previously authorized $14 billion arms sale to Taiwan after Chinese leader Xi Jinping warned him that the island represented a "red line" and that mishandling the issue could push both nations into "extremely dangerous" conflict. During a two-day summit that broke with tradition by explicitly addressing Taiwan's status, Trump also told reporters aboard Air Force One that he opposes formal independence for Taiwan and questioned the logic of U.S. military intervention 9,500 miles away. "I want them to cool down. I want China to cool down," Trump said, while adding that he believes Xi does not want a war. Despite Trump's declarations of "fantastic" trade deals, no formal announcements were made by China, and the details remained vague. The U.S. president claimed China agreed to purchase 200 Boeing jets, American oil and soybeans, while Xi promised a more open and less regulated market for U.S. technology and financial companies. Xi invited Trump to make a reciprocal visit to Washington in September, signaling both sides seek stability in the turbulent relationship between the world's two largest economies. The summit also saw limited progress on Trump's demand for China to help reopen the Strait of Hormuz, though Trump said Xi assured him China would not provide military aid to Iran. On the case of Jimmy Lai, the imprisoned Hong Kong pro-democracy media tycoon, Trump acknowledged Xi found it "difficult" to intervene. The Taiwan issue dominated the summit, with Xi making clear it is Beijing's most critical concern. Trump noted the conversation itself marked a departure from U.S. tradition of never discussing arms sales with China. The United States recognizes only Beijing and does not support formal independence for Taiwan, though it has historically avoided explicitly opposing independence declarations. Under U.S. law, Washington is required to provide weapons to Taiwan for its defense but remains ambiguous about whether American forces would militarily intervene. Analysts noted the summit was more about setting a tone than achieving concrete deliverables, with experts observing that Trump's priorities appeared centered on purchasing American products rather than human rights or strategic concerns.