China has threatened to cancel the planned visit of U.S. President Donald Trump to Beijing if Washington does not abandon the sale of a major arms package to Taiwan. This was reported by the Financial Times, citing sources familiar with the discussions.
According to the newspaper, the United States is currently preparing a new package of military assistance to Taiwan worth up to $20 billion. It could include Patriot air defense systems, NASAMS air defense systems, as well as two other weapons systems whose details have not been disclosed.
The issue of U.S. arms deliveries to Taiwan was raised by Chinese President Xi Jinping during a phone call with Donald Trump on February 4. As China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated, Xi warned the U.S. side that Washington must “exercise caution” regarding arms sales to Taiwan.
In December, the Trump administration had already announced arms deliveries to Taiwan totaling around $11 billion. That package included HIMARS rocket systems, howitzers, anti-tank missiles, and combat drones. In response, Beijing imposed sanctions on 20 U.S. companies linked to the defense sector.
The U.S. president’s visit to China could take place in April, although no official confirmation has yet been announced. Donald Trump last visited Beijing in 2017, at the very beginning of his first presidential term.
