Trump: I might not sell weapons to Taiwan because they stole US semiconductor industry

U.S. President Donald Trump suggested that the United States could move forward with arms sales to Taiwan, calling them “a very good bargaining chip.” Coming shortly after a U.S.–China summit, the remarks are being interpreted as a sign that he intends to use Taiwan as leverage in follow-up negotiations with China.

After completing a state visit to Beijing, Trump said in an interview with Fox News anchor Bret Baier broadcast on the 15th (U.S. local time) that he had “not yet approved” additional arms sales to Taiwan. When asked whether he would authorize them, he replied, “I might approve them, or I might not.” He added, “We are holding it back for now, and it depends on China,” calling the issue “a very good bargaining chip for us.” He noted that the package, worth around $12 billion (approximately 17.9 trillion won), represented “a lot of weapons.”

Trump also remarked, “If you look at the situation, China is a very powerful country, and that (Taiwan) is a very small island.” He pointed out that Taiwan is only about 59 miles (95 km) from mainland China, while the United States is about 9,500 miles (15,000 km) away.

While emphasizing that he prefers maintaining the “status quo” regarding Taiwan and does not want war, Trump said, “I don’t want a situation where someone says, ‘The United States is backing us, so let’s declare independence.’” The comment is being interpreted as a message distancing himself from Taiwan’s independence-leaning Democratic Progressive Party government. He continued, “I think they (China) won’t do anything while I’m president, but honestly, after I’m gone, they might.”

Trump also said, “I’d like all the semiconductor manufacturers in Taiwan to come to the United States,” adding that “because the situation is urgent, that would be a great thing.” He argued that Taiwan had been able to develop its semiconductor industry because previous U.S. administrations failed to impose tariffs on the sector, and claimed, “They (Taiwan) stole our semiconductor industry for many years.” The remarks are seen as pressure on Taiwan to increase investment in the U.S., given Taipei’s strong need for American support against China.

Trump further stated that by the end of his term, he hopes 40–50% of the global semiconductor industry will be located in the United States.

However, Trump stressed that there has been no change in U.S. policy toward Taiwan. He said, “I do not want a situation where someone declares independence and we have to travel 9,500 miles to fight a war,” again urging restraint from Taiwan.