Trump offered to sell arms to China, US ambassador tells Fox News

Ambassador’s Statement on Trump’s Arms Inquiry

US Ambassador to China David Perdue told Fox News that President Donald Trump asked Chinese President Xi Jinping if he would like to purchase U.S. arms during Xi’s recent state visit to Washington. Perdue stated, “He actually asked President Xi—would he like to buy some?—at one point,” according to multiple reports including Newarab.com and NBC News. The claim highlights a rare and controversial suggestion by Trump to expand military trade with a geopolitical rival, though Perdue emphasized that the U.S. position on arms sales to China has not changed.

Perdue acknowledged that Trump and Xi continue to discuss potential sales during their meetings. The ambassador’s remarks were made in the context of heightened scrutiny over U.S. policy toward Taiwan, where Trump has faced pressure to approve a $14 billion arms package. The president had previously paused the deal, calling it a “very good negotiating chip” in dealings with Beijing. However, Perdue stressed that the U.S. is legally barred from arms sales to China under existing law.

White House and State Department Deny Arms Sale Plans

Following Perdue’s comments, White House officials and the U.S. State Department swiftly denied any intention to sell arms to China. A State Department spokesperson stated, “US law prohibits arms sales to China and there is no offer or plan to sell arms to China.” The White House also reiterated this stance, with officials citing legal restrictions and strategic concerns. These denials contrast with Perdue’s account, raising questions about the scope and intent of Trump’s remarks.

The contradiction underscores the complexity of U.S.-China relations, where arms sales to Taiwan remain a sensitive issue. While the U.S. is legally obligated to supply Taiwan with defensive weapons under the Taiwan Relations Act, the administration has faced criticism for delaying approvals. Trump’s pause of the $14 billion deal in May drew accusations of compromising Taiwan’s security, with some lawmakers warning that such moves could embolden Beijing.

Context of Taiwan Arms Sales and Geopolitical Tensions

The controversy over Trump’s alleged inquiry into selling arms to China is intertwined with longstanding tensions over Taiwan. The island, which China claims as a breakaway province, has been a focal point of U.S.-China friction. Washington’s arms sales to Taiwan are seen by Beijing as a threat to regional stability, with Chinese officials repeatedly urging the U.S. to halt such transactions.

During Xi’s visit to Washington, the two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to future meetings, including the APEC summit in November and the G20 forum in December. However, Xi reportedly pressed Trump to explicitly oppose Taiwan independence, a demand the U.S. has historically avoided. Meanwhile, Taiwan’s deputy foreign minister, Chen Ming-chi, warned of a “severe situation” in the Taiwan Strait, citing China’s growing military investments.

Reactions from China and Taiwan

China’s foreign ministry did not directly address Perdue’s claims but reiterated its commitment to “strengthening national defense capabilities based on its own needs.” The statement emphasized Beijing’s dedication to global peace, though it has not ruled out military action to reclaim Taiwan. Chinese officials have long criticized U.S. arms sales to the island, framing them as interference in internal affairs.

Taiwan’s government expressed concern over the controversy, with Chen Ming-chi highlighting the “severe military threat” posed by China. The island’s leaders have repeatedly called on the U.S. to uphold its security commitments, even as Trump’s administration faces scrutiny for its handling of the issue. The situation has intensified fears that U.S. policy could be influenced by broader diplomatic negotiations with Beijing.

The next critical test of U.S.-China relations will come at the APEC summit in November and the G20 forum in December, where leaders will likely address unresolved issues. Meanwhile, the fate of the $14 billion Taiwan arms sale and the broader question of U.S. strategic priorities in the region remain uncertain, with both sides closely watching for signals of policy shifts.