President Trump’s decision to pause a $14 billion arms package to Taiwan plays into Beijing’s hands. This maneuver could enable China to delay the arms deal indefinitely.
On Monday, China’s state media capitalized on Trump’s comments to convey a message to both domestic and Taiwanese audiences. The message was clear: The United States is unreliable in its support for Taiwan, the island nation that China claims as its own.
According to the Global Times, a Chinese newspaper, President Lai Ching-te of Taiwan and his Democratic Progressive Party can no longer count on unwavering support from the U.S.
“Security cannot be bought with military purchases; if you become a pawn, you will only be squeezed dry,” remarked Col. Jiang Bin, a spokesperson for China’s Ministry of National Defense.
Trump made his comments public following a summit with Chinese leader Xi Jinping in Beijing. He announced that he was withholding a decision on the arms package to Taiwan, considering it a “very good negotiating chip” in dealings with China.
During an interview with Fox News, Trump stated, “I’m holding that in abeyance and it depends on China.” It remains unclear what specific concessions Trump is seeking from China in exchange.
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