US President Donald Trump announced his intention to address several critical issues with Chinese President Xi Jinping during his upcoming visit to Beijing. At the forefront of these discussions will be the matter of US arms sales to Taiwan, a topic that has long been a point of contention between Washington and Beijing. Despite China’s preference for halting these sales, Trump reaffirmed his commitment to Taiwan’s defense, underscoring that this issue remains a key element of the dialogue between the two leaders.
Recently, Trump approved a significant arms deal for Taiwan, valued at over $11 billion, marking the largest US weapons package for the island to date. His administration has further encouraged Taiwan to increase its defense spending. According to a US official, the summit with President Xi does not signal any shift in the US’s existing policy toward Taiwan. Trump expressed confidence that tensions over Taiwan would not escalate during his presidency, citing his positive relationship with President Xi.
Another important topic on Trump’s agenda is the case of Jimmy Lai, a prominent Hong Kong media tycoon and pro-democracy advocate, who was sentenced to 20 years in prison earlier this year. Lai’s conviction on charges of conspiracy to collude with foreign forces and publishing seditious materials has sparked international concern over the tightening national security measures in Hong Kong. Trump noted the global interest in Lai’s case and expressed his desire to see Lai released, emphasizing that he has previously discussed this matter with Chinese officials.
In addition to Lai’s situation, Trump plans to raise the case of Pastor Jin Mingri, the founder of Zion Church, who was arrested following new regulations from China’s top religion regulator. These rules prohibit unauthorized online religious activities and foreign collaboration. The crackdown on Zion Church highlights the broader issue of religious freedoms in China, which Trump intends to discuss with President Xi.