US President Donald Trump announced that he is about to make a final and decisive decision in the near future regarding sending additional shipments of advanced weapons to Taiwan, in a move that could further inflame diplomatic tensions with Beijing, especially since this announcement comes after explicit and direct warnings from Chinese President Xi Jinping about the seriousness of this issue.
Details of the talks and the anticipated decision
In a press conference on Monday, Trump indicated that he had a "good" conversation with his Chinese counterpart regarding this contentious issue. The US president said, "I'm talking to him about it. We had a good conversation, and we'll be making a decision very soon." Trump emphasized the strength of his personal relationship with the Chinese leader, despite the fundamental disagreement over the status of self-governing Taiwan, which China considers an integral part of its territory under the "One China" principle.
Background of the conflict and its historical dimension
To understand the depth of the crisis, one must consider the historical context of the relationship. Since 1979, Washington has recognized Beijing as the sole legitimate representative of China, but at the same time has maintained strong unofficial ties with Taiwan, underpinned by the Taiwan Relations Act, which obligates the United States to provide the island with means of self-defense. US arms sales to Taiwan have long been the most contentious point of contention in relations between the two superpowers, with Beijing viewing these sales as a violation of its sovereignty and an encouragement of separatist tendencies on the island.
Beijing's warnings and military maneuvers
Chinese President Xi Jinping preempted Trump's remarks during a phone call on February 4, calling for "mutual respect" and warning Washington against continuing arms sales. Chinese state media quoted Xi as saying that "the Taiwan issue is the most important and sensitive in China-US relations." China did not limit itself to diplomatic warnings; it translated its anger into military action, recently conducting large-scale live-fire drills simulating a naval and air blockade of major Taiwanese ports—a clear message of deterrence.
Geopolitical and economic repercussions
These developments come at a time when the United States recently (in December) approved $11 billion in arms sales to Taiwan. Observers believe that Trump's insistence on proceeding with the arming of Taiwan could have broad regional and international repercussions, including increased militarization of the Indo-Pacific region, disruption of global trade through the Taiwan Strait—a vital artery for the global economy—and further complicate ongoing trade negotiations between Washington and Beijing.
