'Xi understands how I feel': Trump says Taiwan not a major point of friction

At the White House, US President Donald Trump downplayed Taiwan as a major point of friction with China following his summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping, stating that the two leaders did not discuss the issue extensively despite its sensitive nature. "We didn't talk about Taiwan too much with Xi. Right now, it's, you know, fine.

It's just moving along. Xi understands very much how I feel," Trump told reporters. The summit aimed to stabilize ties between the two nations after months of tensions over trade, technology, and other geopolitical issues. However, disagreements over Taiwan, artificial intelligence, and Iran persisted, remaining unresolved. Trump's comments came as Taiwan awaited approval for a proposed $14 billion arms package, which was delayed following his meeting with Xi earlier this year and has yet to receive clearance from the US.

Beijing had emphasized Taiwan as a "red line," urging the United States to halt arms sales to the self-governing island, which China considers its own territory. Ahead of the Washington talks, Xi was anticipated to raise the issue directly with Trump amid broader discussions on trade, technology, and regional security. Taiwanese officials sought to reassure domestic audiences that US support remained intact, stating that Washington "very much" understands the island's defense needs and the military pressure it faces from China, while emphasizing that both sides maintain close communication.

US law mandates Washington to provide Taiwan with defensive capabilities, but the ongoing delay in the latest arms package has become a critical test of how President Trump balances efforts to stabilize ties with Beijing against longstanding American support for Taipei.