China warned the United States that a planned arms sale to Taiwan, including Patriot missile systems, could jeopardise President Donald Trump’s proposed state visit to Beijing in April. Washington is preparing a package that could be worth up to $20bn, following an $11.1bn sale announced in December, underscoring its commitment to Taiwan’s defence under the Taiwan Relations Act. President Xi Jinping raised the issue directly with Mr Trump, urging restraint, in what analysts described as an unusually blunt public warning. Some US officials believe Beijing is bluffing and will not cancel the visit, though the timing of congressional notification may be delayed until after the trip. The sale comes amid frustration in Washington over Taiwan’s stalled defence budget, which opposition parties in Taipei have partially blocked despite rising pressure from China.
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China warned the United States that a planned arms sale to Taiwan, including Patriot missile systems, could jeopardise President Donald Trump’s proposed state visit to Beijing in April. Washington is preparing a package that could be worth up to $20bn, following an $11.1bn sale announced in December, underscoring its commitment to Taiwan’s defence under the Taiwan Relations Act. President Xi Jinping raised the issue directly with Mr Trump, urging restraint, in what analysts described as an unusually blunt public warning. Some US officials believe Beijing is bluffing and will not cancel the visit, though the timing of congressional notification may be delayed until after the trip. The sale comes amid frustration in Washington over Taiwan’s stalled defence budget, which opposition parties in Taipei have partially blocked despite rising pressure from China.