US must be prudent when supplying arms to Taiwan: Xi tells Trump

US must be prudent when supplying arms to Taiwan, Xi tells Trump, as tensions between Washington and Beijing resurface amid renewed diplomatic contact between the two leaders and growing concern over stability in the Taiwan Strait.

Chinese President Xi Jinping delivered the message during a direct exchange with former US President Donald Trump, according to sources familiar with the discussion, stressing that continued American arms sales to Taiwan risk undermining regional peace and damaging already fragile US-China relations.

Beijing Reiterates Red Line on Taiwan

China has long regarded Taiwan as a core national interest and a non-negotiable red line. Xi reportedly warned that arms transfers, particularly advanced missile systems and air defence equipment, could embolden pro-independence forces on the island.

“External interference must be avoided,” a Chinese government readout said, adding that prudence from the US was essential to prevent miscalculation.

While the exchange was described as “frank,” Chinese officials emphasised that dialogue remains open, even as military pressure around Taiwan continues to intensify.

Washington’s Strategic Dilemma

The United States has maintained a policy of “strategic ambiguity” toward Taiwan for decades, supplying defensive weapons while formally recognising Beijing as the sole legal government of China.

However, arms sales have increased in both scale and frequency in recent years, drawing repeated protests from Beijing. US officials argue the supplies are necessary to help Taiwan deter aggression and maintain the status quo.

American defence analysts note that Washington faces a delicate balancing act — supporting Taiwan’s security without provoking a direct confrontation with China.

Trump’s Role and Influence

Although no longer in office, Trump remains a central figure in US politics and foreign policy debates. His previous administration approved several major arms packages to Taiwan, moves that sharply escalated tensions with Beijing at the time.

According to sources, Trump listened to Xi’s warning but reiterated that US decisions would be guided by American interests and commitments. No formal agreement or policy shift was announced following the exchange.

Observers say Xi’s decision to raise the issue directly reflects Beijing’s concern that future US leadership — including a possible Trump return — could further harden Washington’s stance.

Rising Military Pressure in the Strait

The diplomatic exchange comes amid heightened military activity around Taiwan. Chinese naval drills and air force patrols near the island have increased, while Taiwan has conducted its own defence exercises in response.

Regional allies, including Japan and Australia, have expressed growing unease over the risk of escalation, warning that a conflict over Taiwan would have far-reaching global consequences.

Some military movements were described by analysts as signalling rather than preparation for imminent conflict, but the margin for error remains slim.

Taiwan’s Position

Taipei has consistently welcomed US arms sales, arguing they are purely defensive and essential for safeguarding democracy on the island.

Taiwanese officials have rejected Beijing’s claims that foreign support encourages separatism, insisting that the island’s future should be decided by its people alone.

The Taiwanese government did not publicly comment on Xi’s remarks to Trump but reiterated its commitment to maintaining peace while strengthening self-defence capabilities.

Global Implications

The Taiwan issue is increasingly central to global geopolitics, with supply chains, semiconductor production and regional security all at stake. Any disruption in the Taiwan Strait would reverberate through global markets and diplomatic alliances.

European leaders have also urged restraint, calling for dialogue and warning against unilateral actions that could destabilise the region.

As strategic competition between the US and China intensifies, Taiwan remains the most sensitive flashpoint in their relationship.

A Test of Prudence

As US must be prudent when supplying arms to Taiwan, Xi tells Trump, the message from Beijing underscores the high stakes surrounding every weapons shipment and diplomatic signal.

Whether Washington adjusts its approach or maintains its current course will shape not only US-China relations but the broader security landscape of the Indo-Pacific in the years ahead.

For now, diplomacy continues — cautiously — even as military realities on the ground grow ever more complex.