US Must Be Prudent When Supplying Arms to Taiwan, Xi Tells Trump

Chinese President Xi Jinping has warned that the United States must exercise “prudence and restraint” in supplying weapons to Taiwan, emphasizing that the issue remains the most sensitive and potentially explosive point in relations between Beijing and Washington. The message was delivered during a direct exchange with former U.S. President Donald Trump, according to Chinese state media, as tensions continue to simmer over Taiwan’s security and the broader strategic rivalry between the world’s two largest economies.
Xi’s comments came amid renewed debate in Washington over arms sales and military cooperation with Taipei. The United States has long maintained a policy of providing Taiwan with defensive weapons under the Taiwan Relations Act, while formally recognizing Beijing as the sole legal government of China. China, however, views any U.S. military support for Taiwan as a violation of its sovereignty and a threat to regional stability.
A Sensitive Diplomatic Exchange
According to official readouts from Beijing, Xi urged Trump to “handle the Taiwan question carefully” and avoid actions that could embolden what China describes as separatist forces on the island. He stressed that peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait depend on mutual respect for China’s “core interests.”
“The Taiwan question concerns China’s sovereignty and territorial integrity,” Xi reportedly said. “Any external interference will only increase confrontation and risk serious consequences.”
While the U.S. side has not released detailed remarks from Trump, sources familiar with the exchange said the former president reaffirmed America’s interest in maintaining peace in the Indo-Pacific while also underscoring the importance of supporting democratic partners.
The exchange reflects ongoing strains between Washington and Beijing over military posture in Asia, even as both sides attempt to keep communication channels open to avoid miscalculation.
Arms Sales and Strategic Signaling
Over the past several years, the United States has approved multiple arms packages for Taiwan, including fighter jets, missile defense systems, and advanced radar equipment. These sales are framed by U.S. officials as necessary for Taiwan’s self-defense in the face of growing Chinese military pressure.
China has consistently condemned such transfers, often responding with military drills near Taiwan and diplomatic protests. Beijing argues that these moves encourage Taiwanese leaders to resist reunification and undermine efforts to manage cross-strait relations peacefully.
In recent months, Chinese military activity around Taiwan has intensified, with regular air and naval patrols crossing the median line of the Taiwan Strait. Analysts see these actions as a warning to both Taipei and Washington that Beijing is prepared to use force if it perceives red lines being crossed.
“The arms issue is not symbolic; it is central to China’s perception of U.S. intentions,” said one Asia-Pacific security expert. “From Beijing’s perspective, more weapons mean more resistance to reunification and a higher chance of conflict.”
Trump’s Taiwan Record
During his presidency, Trump took several steps that reshaped U.S.-China relations, including a trade war and a more confrontational stance on technology and security issues. His administration approved significant arms sales to Taiwan and increased diplomatic engagement with Taiwanese officials, breaking with decades of cautious protocol.
Those policies were welcomed in Taipei but sharply criticized in Beijing. Chinese officials accused Washington of hollowing out the “One China” principle, which underpins diplomatic relations between the two countries.
Trump has recently returned to political prominence, and his views on Taiwan are being closely watched as U.S. elections approach. While he has expressed support for Taiwan’s defense, he has also questioned the costs of U.S. commitments abroad, creating uncertainty about how he would handle future arms decisions.
Regional Implications
Xi’s warning highlights how Taiwan has become a focal point of global security concerns. Allies such as Japan and Australia have increased coordination with the United States, citing the need to deter any unilateral change to the status quo in the Taiwan Strait. At the same time, Southeast Asian nations remain wary of being drawn into a conflict between two superpowers.
Economic consequences are also part of the calculation. Taiwan is a critical hub for semiconductor manufacturing, and any disruption to its stability could send shockwaves through global supply chains.
“Taiwan is not just a political issue; it’s an economic one,” said a trade analyst. “A conflict there would affect everything from consumer electronics to automobiles.”
Calls for Stability and Dialogue
Despite the sharp rhetoric, both Washington and Beijing have repeatedly said they do not seek war. U.S. officials argue that arms sales are defensive and designed to preserve deterrence, not provoke confrontation. Chinese leaders, meanwhile, insist that reunification remains their long-term goal but stress that peaceful means are preferred.
Xi’s appeal for prudence suggests an attempt to rein in escalation while still drawing a firm line. Analysts note that China’s leadership is under domestic pressure to appear strong on sovereignty issues, especially as nationalism remains a powerful force in Chinese politics.
“Xi cannot be seen as backing down on Taiwan,” said a political analyst in Beijing. “But he also wants to avoid a crisis that could harm China’s economy or derail diplomatic efforts with the U.S.”
A Fragile Balance
The exchange between Xi and Trump underscores the fragile balance that defines U.S.-China relations. Taiwan remains the most dangerous flashpoint, where missteps could rapidly spiral into confrontation.
For now, both sides appear intent on maintaining dialogue while signaling resolve. Whether that balance can be sustained will depend largely on future decisions about arms sales, military deployments, and political engagement with Taipei.
As Xi cautioned, prudence may be the key word — but in an era of strategic rivalry and mutual suspicion, restraint will be increasingly difficult to maintain.