Trump to Decide on Taiwan Arms Sale Amid Upcoming China Trip

Chinese leader Xi Jinping has said the Taiwan issue remains the most sensitive in U.S.–China relations.

An AIM-120 Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air missile is being prepared to be loaded onto a F-16V fighter jet during Spring military exercise at Chiayi Air Base, in Chiayi, Taiwan, on Jan. 28, 2026. I-Hwa Cheng/AFP via Getty Images

U.S. President Donald Trump said on Feb. 16 that he discussed U.S. arms sales to Taiwan with Chinese leader Xi Jinping and would soon make a decision on whether to meet Beijing’s demand to halt them.

Trump said he spoke with Xi about the matter and they maintain a good relationship despite some differences, adding that he expects to visit China in April for talks with the Chinese leader.