Xi Warns Trump on Taiwan Arms Amid Taipei's 'Rock Solid' Alliance Claim

United States - Ekhbary News Agency

Xi Warns Trump on Taiwan Arms Amid Taipei's 'Rock Solid' Alliance Claim

In a diplomatic exchange underscoring persistent geopolitical tensions in the Indo-Pacific, Chinese President Xi Jinping issued a stark warning to US President Donald Trump regarding the supply of arms to Taiwan. The admonition came during their first phone call since November, with President Xi reportedly stressing that the Taiwan question remains the most crucial and sensitive issue defining the complex relationship between Beijing and Washington. He urged the United States to handle the matter with 'prudence' to safeguard China's sovereignty and territorial integrity.

According to a readout from China's foreign ministry, President Xi unequivocally stated, "China must safeguard its own sovereignty and territorial integrity, and will never allow Taiwan to be separated. The US must handle the issue of arms sales to Taiwan with prudence." This assertion reiterates Beijing's unwavering commitment to its 'One China' principle, which views Taiwan as a renegade province destined for eventual reunification with the mainland, by force if necessary. Such warnings are set against a backdrop of increasing US support for Taiwan, which Beijing consistently interprets as a blatant interference in its internal affairs and a threat to regional stability.

Just hours after the high-stakes phone conversation, Taiwan's President Lai Ching-te moved to reassure both domestic and international audiences about the enduring strength of Taipei's ties with Washington. Speaking to reporters during a visit to textile merchants in western Taiwan on Thursday, President Lai declared, "The Taiwan-US relationship is rock solid, and all cooperation projects will continue uninterrupted." These remarks highlight Taipei's proactive efforts to assert its diplomatic autonomy and reinforce its strategic partnership with the United States, even as it faces escalating pressure from Beijing.

Taiwan, a self-ruled democracy, remains a potential flashpoint in international relations. While the United States officially acknowledges the "One China" policy, which recognizes Beijing's claim over Taiwan, it simultaneously maintains robust unofficial relations with Taipei and serves as the island's most significant arms supplier. This delicate balancing act allows Washington to bolster Taiwan's defensive capabilities without formally recognizing it as an independent nation, a diplomatic tightrope walk that consistently draws Beijing's ire.

In December, the US State Department announced its largest-ever arms sales package to Taiwan, valued at over $11.1 billion. This comprehensive package includes missiles, artillery systems, and drones. Although the deal awaits congressional approval, it has already provoked a furious reaction from China, which responded by conducting two days of extensive military drills around the island in late December. These exercises involved the deployment of air, navy, and missile units, serving as a clear show of force intended to send an unambiguous message to both Washington and Taipei.

Domestically, the proposed arms sales and a suggested increase in Taiwan's defense spending to 3.3% of its gross domestic product are facing pushback from the opposition KMT party and segments of the Taiwanese population. Taiwan's opposition-controlled parliament has notably blocked President Lai's budget plan, which included a substantial $40 billion special defense budget, opting instead for a significantly smaller defense spending proposal. This internal division underscores the challenges Taiwan faces in balancing its defense requirements with broader economic and social priorities.

Meanwhile, Trump characterized his call with Xi, which reportedly covered topics including Taiwan's future, as "excellent" and "thorough" in a late Wednesday post on Truth Social. Trump also indicated that the conversation touched upon Russia's ongoing war in Ukraine, "the current situation with Iran," and China's purchase of oil and gas from the United States. He expressed anticipation for a trip to China in April, marking his first during his current term in office, signaling ongoing high-level communication channels between the two global powers.

Furthermore, Trump mentioned that China is considering purchasing 20 million tons of US soybeans in the current season, a significant increase from 12 million tons in the previous season. This highlights the substantial economic dimension of bilateral relations and how trade can influence geopolitical dynamics. The complex nature of this phone call illustrates that US-China relations remain multifaceted, encompassing strategic rivalry and economic cooperation, with the Taiwan issue firmly at the core of potential tensions.

Ekhbary News Agency