President Trump tells reporters aboard Air Force One that during his summit in Beijing he discussed Taiwan with Chinese President Xi Jinping but did not make commitments on the issue. Trump says Xi “does not want to see a fight for independence” and that Trump “heard him out.” He adds that he, like Xi, “feels very strongly” about Taiwan, but that Trump “made no commitment either way.”
Trump also addresses U.S. arms sales to Taiwan, an area he had said he would raise with Xi ahead of the summit. He indicates the United States will make a decision within a short period, saying, “I’ll make a determination over the next fairly short period of time.” The articles note that although the United States recognizes only Beijing, U.S. law requires arms transfers to Taiwan for its defense. They also describe China’s position that it regards Taiwan as part of China and has pledged to take the island, while not ruling out the use of force.
Overall, the accounts agree that the discussions covered Taiwan and U.S. weapons policy, but Trump says he made no binding commitments to Xi during the talks.
