China urges caution on Taiwan arms sales ahead of Trump-Xi summit

Key facts

• China's defense ministry urged "extreme caution" regarding U.S. arms sales to Taiwan.
• The U.S. approved an $11 billion arms package for Taiwan in December.
• A second U.S. arms package for Taiwan, worth $14 billion, has been held up for months.
• Taiwan's government thanked the U.S. for its support and is maintaining communications.
• China views Taiwan as a "red line" that the U.S. must not cross.

A Chinese defense ministry spokesperson urged "extreme caution" over U.S. arms sales to Taiwan, stating that the Taiwan question is the most important issue in China-U.S. relations and that maintaining peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait is a common concern for both countries. The remarks were made ahead of a summit in Washington between U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping.

While the Trump administration approved an $11 billion arms package for Taiwan in December, a second package worth approximately $14 billion has been pending for months. Sources indicated that Xi Jinping would press Trump to halt Taiwan arms sales altogether during the visit. Trump had previously described the second package as a "very good negotiating chip."

Taiwan's government expressed gratitude for U.S. support and stated it is maintaining close contact with the U.S. to stay informed of relevant developments. Taiwan's cabinet spokesperson, Michelle Lee, said the government views efforts conducive to stabilizing the regional situation and managing risks from authoritarian expansion positively.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, when asked about Taiwan arms sales, noted the need to balance broader global needs, stating that selling equipment means the U.S. would not have it available. China considers Taiwan a "red line" that the U.S. must not cross, despite the U.S. being Taiwan's most significant international backer and arms supplier.