Trump Claims Intense Communications with Xi
US President Donald Trump said he is speaking with Chinese President Xi Jinping about US arms sales to Taiwan and will make a decision "very soon." Trump made the remarks to reporters aboard Air Force One in response to a question about the policy of arms sales to Taiwan.
Trump also reiterated that his personal relationship with Xi is excellent, while mentioning plans to travel to China in April. The Taiwan issue has long been one of the most sensitive points in Washington-Beijing relations, so any sign of a change in policy tends to immediately attract the attention of markets and policymakers in the region.
These latest comments come amid efforts by both countries to ease tensions that have in recent months affected trade, tariffs, technology, and regional security. Reuters reported that US Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference, with the talks also linked to Trump's possible visit to China in April.
Taiwan remains a "red line" for Beijing. In a previous Reuters report, Taiwan asserted that relations with the US were "rock-solid" following the Trump-Xi communication, while China reiterated its pressure on Washington to be cautious regarding arms sales to the island.
From Taiwan's perspective, domestic political dynamics are also shaping the landscape: several US lawmakers are pushing for Taiwan's parliament to quickly approve an increase in its protection budget, while highlighting growing security risks. At the same time, the issue of delays in the delivery of weapons already purchased by Taiwan has also resurfaced.
Looking ahead, markets and policymakers will be watching for two things: (1) whether Trump's "soon decision" means a delay, postponement, or change in the form of the arms sales package; and (2) how Beijing will respond ahead of the summit, which concludes in April. (asd)
Source: Newsmaker.id
