President Trump’s decision to delay a $14 billion arms package to Taiwan has favored Beijing’s interests. China’s government might now consider strategies to prolong the freeze on these weapons.
President Trump, during a meeting with Chinese leader Xi Jinping in Beijing, suggested using the U.S. arms deal with Taiwan as a negotiating tool. This move appears to have granted Xi Jinping an advantage in diminishing Taiwan’s governmental influence.
On Monday, Chinese state media emphasized Mr. Trump’s remarks, conveying to both domestic audiences and Taiwan that the U.S. may not be a steadfast ally for Taiwan, a democratic island which China views as part of its territory.
President Lai Ching-te of Taiwan, who often faces criticism from Beijing, and his Democratic Progressive Party were told by the Global Times, a Chinese publication, that they could no longer expect unwavering support from the United States.
“Security cannot be bought with military purchases; if you become a pawn, you will only be squeezed dry,” stated Col. Jiang Bin, spokesperson for China’s Ministry of National Defense, referring to Taiwan on Monday.
Mr. Trump’s comments followed his departure from a Friday summit with Xi Jinping in Beijing. In an interview with Fox News, he revealed the postponement of a decision regarding Taiwan’s $14 billion weaponry package, describing it as a valuable bargaining chip with Beijing.
“I’m holding that in abeyance and it depends on China,” he mentioned. However, what Mr. Trump expected from China in exchange remained unclear.
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