Chinese President Xi Jinping urged Donald Trump to act with caution on US arms sales to Taiwan during a key phone call, stressing sovereignty, trade, and global tensions.
New Delhi: Chinese President Xi Jinping urged US President Donald Trump to exercise prudence in arms sales to Taiwan during a phone conversation on Wednesday, emphasizing the island’s status as a core issue in bilateral relations.
The call, the first between the leaders since November 2025, covered a range of topics including trade, the Russia-Ukraine war, Iran, and Trump’s planned visit to Beijing in April 2026.
Xi’s Firm Stance on Taiwan
Xi described Taiwan as “the most important issue” in China-US relations, stating that it is China’s territory and that Beijing must safeguard its sovereignty and territorial integrity. He asserted that China “will never allow Taiwan to be separated.” Specifically addressing US support for Taiwan, Xi warned: “The United States must handle the issue of arms sales to Taiwan with prudence.”
This statement follows the US approval in December 2025 of its largest-ever arms package to Taiwan, valued at more than $11.1 billion, which includes medium-range missiles, howitzers, and drones. China has consistently opposed such sales, viewing them as interference in its internal affairs.
Trump’s Take on the Discussion
In a post on Truth Social late Wednesday, Trump characterized the call as “excellent” and “thorough,” noting discussions on “many important subjects” such as trade (including China’s soybean purchases), Taiwan, the Russia-Ukraine war, and Iran. He highlighted his “extremely good” personal relationship with Xi and the mutual recognition of its importance. Trump also mentioned his upcoming April trip to China as a topic of conversation. No specific details on his response to Xi’s warning were disclosed.
Taiwan’s President Reaffirms Strong US Ties
Responding to the call on Thursday, February 5, 2026, Taiwan President Lai Ching-te said Taiwan–US relations are “rock solid.” He added that all cooperation projects will continue without interruption.
Lai made the remarks during a visit to textile merchants in western Taiwan.
US Policy Remains Steady
A US official said Washington’s stance on Taiwan remains unchanged. It is based on the Taiwan Relations Act and the “six assurances” given in 1982 under President Ronald Reagan.
The assurances include no fixed end to arms sales to Taiwan. The US will not consult China in advance on such sales. It will not mediate between China and Taiwan. Washington will not revise the Taiwan Relations Act. It will not change its position on Taiwan’s sovereignty. The US will also not pressure Taiwan to negotiate with China.
Official Chinese Readout and Broader Context
According to China’s Foreign Ministry and state news agency Xinhua, Xi reiterated China’s territorial claims. He also reaffirmed Beijing’s commitment to preventing Taiwan’s separation. He also expressed attachment to strong US-China ties and a desire to resolve differences.
The discussion occurs amid ongoing US-China tensions, with China ramping up military drills around Taiwan and the US continuing defensive support. Analysts note this as a critical juncture for Taiwan’s defense spending and potential shifts in US-China dynamics under Trump.
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