Trump's unusual arms pitch to China's Xi

White House counselor David Perdue defended President Trump's proposal for a U.S. arms sale to Taiwan to Chinese President Xi Jinping, suggesting it's merely one of many sales the United States conducts globally. Perdue stated that Trump, during his recent state visit with Xi, inquired if Xi would be interested in purchasing U.S. arms.

The proposal, if implemented, would significantly alter long-standing U.S. policy towards China and Taiwan, potentially placing American technology in the hands of a perceived adversary. Perdue did not specify when the offer was made. Following the summit, lawmakers expressed concerns over late aid packages and weapons orders to Taiwan, a self-governing democracy threatened by China's potential invasion.

Perdue denied these claims, asserting that Trump showed strong support for Taiwan, having previously provided substantial weapons. He also mentioned ongoing discussions between Trump and Xi about future arms sales to Taiwan. Despite U.S. laws requiring aid for Taiwan's self-defense, the nation remains unacknowledged as a sovereign state by the U.S. Nonetheless, the country serves as Taiwan's primary informal backer and arms provider.

While it's unclear if the U.S. will commit military force to defend Taiwan against a Chinese invasion, multiple U.S. officials have hinted at this possibility. In private talks at the White House, Xi reportedly urged Trump to oppose Taiwan's independence, according to Chinese state media.