Donald Trump defended a pending US arms sale to Taiwan by telling Xi Jinping that Washington sells weapons around the world and, at one point, asking whether the Chinese president wanted to buy American arms, the US ambassador to China has said.
David Perdue disclosed the exchange days after Mr Trump hosted Xi for a state visit in Washington. He did not say when the offer was made or indicate that China had expressed an interest in purchasing US weapons.
Speaking on Fox News Sunday, Mr Perdue rejected suggestions that delayed aid packages and weapons orders for Taiwan were intended to appease Beijing. He said Mr Trump was “as strong on Taiwan as I’ve ever seen anybody” and had already sold the island substantial quantities of weapons.
“But President Trump continues to say, ‘Hey, we sell arms to other people around the world,’” Mr Perdue said. “He actually asked President Xi, would he like to buy some, at one point.”
Mr Perdue also said the US president and Xi continued to discuss future weapons sales to Taiwan, the self-ruled democracy that China claims as its territory.
The United States is required under its own laws to provide Taiwan with the means to defend itself. Washington does not recognise Taiwan as a country, but remains the island’s strongest informal backer and arms supplier.
US presidents have nevertheless left unclear whether American forces would be sent to defend Taiwan if China invaded.
China has repeatedly urged Washington to stop supplying weapons to Taiwan. Following a previous meeting between Trump and Xi in Beijing in May, the United States paused a record $14 billion package, while Trump described arms sales to Taiwan as a “very good negotiating chip” in dealings with China.
During their private White House discussions last week, Xi urged Trump to oppose Taiwan independence, according to Chinese state media.
Asked about Mr Perdue’s remarks in Beijing on Monday, Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun did not confirm them. He said China had always strengthened its defence capabilities according to its needs and was committed to maintaining world peace and stability.
