Trump reportedly asked Chinese President Xi if he would buy U.S. arms during a conversation with ambassador David Perdue, raising concerns about U.S. policy toward China and Taiwan. The potential sale could disrupt decades of U.S. policy and expose U.S. technology to a potential adversary. Perdue did not specify when the offer was made but said Trump has sold Taiwan plenty of weapons.
Perdue said Trump is as strong on Taiwan as anyone and has sold it weapons. He also said Trump and Xi continue to talk about future U.S. weapons sales to Taiwan. Trump described arms sales to Taiwan as a 'very good negotiating chip' with China during a previous summit. China has pressed Washington to halt the arms sales, most notably during a previous summit in May.
The U.S. is bound by its own laws to provide Taiwan with the means to defend itself. While not recognizing Taiwan as a country, the U.S. is the island's strongest informal backer and arms provider. But multiple U.S. leaders have left it ambiguous whether they would commit military force to defend the island should China invade. China's foreign ministry spokesperson did not confirm Perdue's remarks but said China has always strengthened its national defense capabilities based on its needs.