President Trump said Friday he is unsure whether to approve a $14 billion weapons package for Taiwan after discussing the matter in “great detail” with Chinese President Xi Jinping. The package, which includes missiles and air defense interceptors, has been held up by his administration for months. Trump told reporters on the flight back to Washington that “the last thing we need right now is a war that's 9,500 miles away.”
The remarks come after the president’s trip began with a warning from Xi about potential “conflicts” over Taiwan. Trump made clear during the visit that he does not want to provoke one, signaling a potential shift in U.S. posture toward the self-governing island.
Hawks on Capitol Hill argue that stronger military support for Taiwan is the best way to deter Chinese aggression. Some analysts, however, contend that U.S. pledges of weapons and political backing may actually make Beijing more likely to use force, raising the stakes of the administration’s decision.
Trump acknowledged that the U.S. had pledged under the 1982 “six assurances” policy not to consult China about arms sales to Taiwan, but he seemingly dismissed that promise as outdated. “What am I going to do, say I don’t want to talk to you about it because…” he trailed off, suggesting a willingness to engage Beijing on the issue.
The administration faces growing pressure from both sides: those who view the arms deal as essential for deterrence and those who warn it could escalate tensions.