Trump’s comments follow a two-day state visit to China, where he met with the country’s president, Xi Jinping, to discuss economic cooperation between the two global rivals, as well as a host of international issues, including the U.S.-Israeli war with Iran.
“It’s a very good negotiating chip for us, frankly,” he said. “It’s a lot of weapons.”
Taiwan has been waiting for months for Trump to approve a $14 billion weapons package that would help it defend against a Chinese military operation to capture the island. The package includes air-defense systems and sophisticated missiles. Trump approved an $11 billion arms package last year, prompting increased Chinese military drills around Taiwan.
The U.S. does not formally recognize Beijing’s claim to Taiwan, nor does it recognize Taiwan’s independence. It has, however, supported the island for decades through defense assistance.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio insisted U.S. policy toward the self-governing democracy remains “unchanged” in an interview with NBC during the visit.
Taiwan was top of the agenda during the visit, according to statements from both governments. Xi told Trump during the visit that Taiwan “is the most important issue in China-U.S. relations” on the first day of the visit, according to an official readout of his remarks published by China’s state news agency. If not resolved, Xi added that it would lead to “clashes and even conflicts, putting the entire relationship in great jeopardy.”
"Furthermore, military sales between Taiwan and the U.S. are not only a reflection of the U.S. security commitment to Taiwan as stipulated in the Taiwan Relations Act, but also serve as a mutual deterrence against regional threats," said Taiwan President Lai Ching-te's spokesperson Karen Kuo in a statement, Reuters reported.
In the interview with Fox News, host Bret Baier asked Trump: "Should the people of Taiwan feel more or less secure after your meetings with President Xi?"
"Nothing's changed. I will say this: I'm not looking to have somebody go independent. And, you know, we're supposed to travel 9,500 miles to fight a war. I'm not looking for that. I want them to cool down. I want China to cool down."
Trump’s apparent softening of support for Taiwan comes at a time when his war with Iran has depleted U.S. stocks of sophisticated weaponry that would be essential to defending the island in the event of a Chinese attack.
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