Trump to resolve ‘quickly’ on sending weapons to Taiwan

U.S. President Donald Trump mentioned Monday (February 16, 2026) he would resolve quickly on whether or not to ship extra weapons to Taiwan, after Chinese language President Xi Jinping warned him not to take action.

“I am speaking to him about it. We had a very good dialog, and we’ll make a dedication fairly quickly,” Mr. Trump mentioned, including that he has a “good relationship” with the Chinese language chief, whose nation claims the self-ruled island of Taiwan as its territory.

In a cellphone name with Mr. Trump on February 4, Mr. Xi referred to as for “mutual respect” in relations with the US, whereas warning Washington about arms gross sales to the democratically run island.

“The Taiwan query is a very powerful concern in China-US relations… The US should deal with arms gross sales to Taiwan with warning,” Mr. Xi mentioned, based on China’s state broadcaster.

Each the leaders are on account of meet in Beijing in April.

China’s Communist Celebration has by no means dominated Taiwan, however Beijing claims the island of 23 million individuals is a part of its territory and has not dominated out using power to annex it.

Washington doesn’t formally acknowledge Taiwan, however is the island territory’s predominant navy backer — though the tone of that assist has softened just below Mr. Trump.

The USA accepted $11-billion value of arms to Taiwan in December, Taipei mentioned.

Shortly thereafter, China launched main live-fire drills to simulate a blockade round Taiwan’s key ports.

Whereas Mr. Trump has adopted a softer tone on assist for Taiwan in his second time period, the difficulty stays a thorn in U.S.-China relations.

On Saturday (February 14, 2026), Beijing’s high diplomat Wang Yi warned the US towards “plotting” on Taiwan, saying it may result in a “confrontation” with China.

Talking on the Munich Safety Convention in Germany, Overseas Minister Wang mentioned that sooner or later, the US may undertake a China coverage that includes “instigating and plotting to separate China by way of Taiwan, crossing China’s pink line.”

Taiwan has spent many billions of {dollars} upgrading its navy up to now decade, however faces rising U.S. strain to do extra to guard itself towards China.

Taiwan’s President Lai Ching-te has proposed $40 billion in further protection spending by his authorities over eight years, however the plan has been blocked by the opposition-controlled parliament 10 instances since early December.

Final week, dozens of U.S. lawmakers urged Taiwan’s Opposition political events to finish their blocking of the transfer.

In an unique interview with AFP final week, President Lai mentioned he was assured the defence funds could be handed.