President Trump is considering delaying a $14 billion arms package to Taiwan, a move that appears to benefit China. This decision may allow China more time to keep these weapons out of Taiwan’s hands.
Following his recent meeting with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, Trump indicated he might use the weapons package as leverage in negotiations with China. This tactic provides China with a strategic advantage in its ongoing efforts to challenge Taiwan’s status.
China quickly capitalized on Trump’s comments. The state media conveyed that the U.S. may not be a reliable ally for Taiwan, a message aimed both domestically and at Taiwan. The Chinese government asserts that Taiwan is part of its territory and views the island’s independence as illegitimate.
Taiwan cannot rely on ‘unconditional indulgence’ from the United States any longer,reported the Global Times, citing a Chinese researcher.
Colonel Jiang Bin, a spokesman for China’s Ministry of National Defense, criticized Taiwan’s reliance on military purchases, suggesting that Taiwan would risk becoming a ‘pawn’ if it continued down this path.
Trump’s comments, aired over the weekend after leaving Beijing, revealed his intention to use the arms package as a ‘negotiating chip.’ However, he did not specify what concessions he was seeking from China in return.