Trump says he will discuss arms sales to Taiwan when he meets Xi | Donald Trump News

US arms sales to Taiwan have long been a source of friction with Beijing, which claims the island as its territory.

Donald Trump is expected to discuss US arms sales to Taiwan during his meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping later this week.

Trump reiterated his belief that the conflict with China in the matter of Taiwan it was doubtful recently.

“I will talk to President Xi,” Trump told reporters at the White House when asked about the arms sale. “President Xi wants us not to do that, and I will have this conversation. This is one of the many things I will be talking about.”

Mr Trump is due to arrive in Beijing on Wednesday, ahead of talks on Thursday and Friday. It will be his first visit to China in nine years.

U.S. security assistance to Taiwan has long been a source of controversy and dismay from Beijing, which says the island as an integral part of its territory. The self-governing island has rejected Chinese military threats and insisted that its people should be free to choose their own destiny.

The United States is a major supporter of Taiwan and has provided the island with weapons that can be used against Chinese aggression. Trump announced a weapons of war in Taiwan its value exceeded $11bn in December, the largest in history.

Also in December, China started advertising war games comparing the closure of Taiwan’s ports, which many see as a warning against foreign groups supporting Taiwan.

Although China has criticized the US arms sales, the US has no responsibility for Taiwan’s sovereignty and has called on Taipei and Beijing to peacefully resolve questions about the island’s status.

“I don’t think it’s going to happen,” Trump said when asked about the possibility of tensions between the US and China over Taiwan. I think it will be fine because I have a very good relationship President Xi. They know that I don’t want this to happen.”