Trump Says He’ll Soon Make Decision on Weapon Sales to Taiwan

Article content(Bloomberg) — President Donald Trump said that he’s discussing future weapons sales to Taiwan with Chinese President Xi Jinping and teased that he would soon make a decision about future defense support for the self-governing island.Sign In or Create an AccountEmail AddressContinueor View more offersArticle content“I’m talking to him about it. We had a good conversation, and we’ll make a determination pretty soon,” Trump told reporters Monday evening aboard Air Force One.Article contentWe apologize, but this video has failed to load.Try refreshing your browser, ortap here to see other videos from our team.Article contentThe US’s military support for Taiwan has become one of the key points of contention between Washington and Beijing before the country’s leaders are slated to meet in April in China. Article contentArticle contentChina has ramped up political and military pressure on Taiwan in recent years in a bid to reinforce its view that the island is part of its territory. Article contentTop StoriesGet the latest headlines, breaking news and columns.There was an error, please provide a valid email address.Sign UpBy signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc.Thanks for signing up!A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder.The next issue of Top Stories will soon be in your inbox.We encountered an issue signing you up. Please try againInterested in more newsletters? Browse here.Article contentThe two leaders spoke earlier this month in a conversation that Trump heralded as “excellent.” But a Chinese account of the call said that the US must “handle the issue of arms sales to Taiwan with prudence,” unusually specific and direct language for Xi, who normally sticks to broad statements on Taiwan.Article contentThe Financial Times reported earlier this month that the US is preparing a new round of arms sales to Taiwan, which has unsettled Chinese officials. The purchase would be in addition to an $11 billion deal announced in December.Article contentThe US and Taiwan finalized a trade agreement last week, further linking the two economies. That deal cuts tariffs rates, boosts market access for American products in Asia and channels billions of dollars into US energy and technology projects. Article contentEarlier: Taiwan, US Sign Trade Pact to Cut Tariffs, Boost InvestmentsArticle contentTrending Subscriber only. 'We need to wake up': Atlantic Canada a microcosm of the problems facing the rest of the country Subscriber only Economy Stellantis Canada CEO says sale of Ontario battery plant was due to poor EV demand Commodities Canadians Say They'll Buy Cheaper Chinese EVs as Tariffs Drop PMN Business Avoid these TFSA and RRSP mistakes to keep the CRA off your back Personal Finance Canada aims to boost defence exports by 50%, creating 125,000 jobs Economy Share this article in your social networkCommentsYou must be logged in to join the discussion or read more comments.Create an AccountSign in Join the Conversation Postmedia is committed to maintaining a lively but civil forum for discussion. Please keep comments relevant and respectful. Comments may take up to an hour to appear on the site. You will receive an email if there is a reply to your comment, an update to a thread you follow or if a user you follow comments. Visit our Community Guidelines for more information. Subscriber only. 'We need to wake up': Atlantic Canada a microcosm of the problems facing the rest of the country Subscriber only Economy Stellantis Canada CEO says sale of Ontario battery plant was due to poor EV demand Commodities Canadians Say They'll Buy Cheaper Chinese EVs as Tariffs Drop PMN Business Avoid these TFSA and RRSP mistakes to keep the CRA off your back Personal Finance Canada aims to boost defence exports by 50%, creating 125,000 jobs Economy