Trump reportedly offered China US-made weapons during discussions

U.S. Ambassador to China, David Perdue, revealed on Sunday that President Donald Trump previously suggested to Chinese President Xi Jinping that China could purchase U.S. military equipment. During a Fox News interview, Perdue stated that Trump has frequently raised the topic during meetings, aiming to address Beijing's ongoing concerns regarding U.S. arms sales to Taiwan. Perdue did not specify when the conversation occurred, but noted that discussions regarding Taiwan's defense are a recurring point of dialogue between the two leaders.

Reports indicate that a $14 billion arms package for Taiwan remains frozen as a potential bargaining tool in broader negotiations between Washington and Beijing. While China has repeatedly demanded an end to these sales, the U.S. maintains its commitment to regional stability. Following the ambassador's remarks, both the White House and the State Department clarified that there are no current plans to sell weapons to China, emphasizing that existing U.S. law prohibits such transactions.

These developments occur against a backdrop of escalating regional tensions. In June, China issued warnings against Taiwanese moves toward independence, while Washington previously approved significant military support for the island in December. Despite the ambassador's disclosure, the administration insists that U.S. policy toward China remains unchanged.