Trump announced a conversation with Taiwan's leader regarding a $14 billion deal
U.S. President Donald Trump said he plans to speak with Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te as discussions continue regarding a possible arms sale. The deal in question is a potential contract worth approximately $14 billion. The agreement has drawn sharp criticism from China.
Trump told reporters this on Wednesday, according to Bloomberg.
When asked by reporters if he plans to call the Taiwanese president, Trump replied: “Well, I’ll talk to him. I talk to everyone.”
However, Trump did not specify when such a conversation might take place.
Earlier, Trump stated that he would speak with the person “who runs Taiwan,” without specifying exactly whom he meant.
“We have this situation very well under control. We had a great meeting with (China’s) President Xi. We will be working on this Taiwan issue,” Trump added.
Trump’s comments came after a summit with Chinese leader Xi Jinping last week in Beijing, during which the Chinese leader issued a stark warning that relations between the world’s two largest economies could escalate into conflict if they do not resolve the Taiwan issue properly.
China has opposed a future U.S. arms package for Taiwan. However, canceling the sale could spark bipartisan opposition in Washington.
Last week, Trump stated that he had made no promises to Xi regarding the future sale and would make a decision on the matter “soon.”
The United States adheres to a longstanding policy of strategic ambiguity regarding military aid to Taiwan in the event of an attack by China: Washington reserves the right to use force but never explicitly states whether it will actually intervene.
Trump’s approval rating has plummeted to a record low due to dissatisfaction among Republicans — Reuters.
Trump is building an underground complex near the White House with drone protection
Israel announced the elimination of the commander of an elite Hezbollah unit
The day before, U.S. President Donald Trump announced significant progress in negotiations with Tehran, noting that as part of a potential agreement, Iran could transfer its highly enriched uranium to the United States.
At the same time, Trump once again repeated the threats he has been making in recent weeks: “If they agree, it’s all over, and if not—we’ll bomb them.”
