Reports emerged that US President Donald Trump expressed a negative stance on arms sales to Taiwan ahead of his visit to China.
US defense publication The Hill reported on the 23rd (local time) that President Trump is deliberating over the plan to sell weapons to Taiwan. The Hill stated, "Arms sales to Taiwan have become uncertain as the US considers stabilizing relations with China," adding that "the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), which has claimed that US-Taiwan relations are very solid, now finds itself in a difficult position." The publication further assessed that the US is placing higher priority on stabilizing relations with China regarding trade issues.
Lyle Goldstein, director of the Asia Program at Defense Priorities, said in an interview with The Hill, "The weapons sales package will likely be delayed and announced after President Trump's visit to China." He also predicted that the sales would include more F-16 fighter jets instead of advanced weapons such as the M109 Paladin self-propelled howitzer. The Wall Street Journal reported the same story.
Taiwan expressed bewilderment over the successive US reports. This is because the "Six Assurances" agreement signed in 1982 stipulates that the US cannot consult with the Chinese government in advance when selling weapons to Taiwan. Taiwanese media outlet Formosa pointed out, "Even if it seems like just a few remarks, it is enough to unsettle Taiwanese society."
Huang Kwei-bo, professor of diplomacy at National Chengchi University, said, "Taiwan still occupies a major position in the US national strategic framework, but the possibility of being replaced is growing. China occupies an absolutely higher status and possesses both the capability and will to resist or confront the US."
Wang Kun-yi, chairman of the Taiwan International Strategic Study Society, pointed out, "The DPP has entirely depended on the US for Taiwan's security and economic interests, but now the US appears to be a sympathizer of the Chinese Communist Party."