Trump Uses Taiwan Arms Sales as Bargaining Chip With China
Primary region US
Tags Diplomacy · Security · Trade
Regions US · China · Asia
President Trump explicitly described potential US arms sales to Taiwan as a 'very good negotiating chip' in talks with Beijing, departing from decades of US policy that treated Taiwan's defense as a separate strategic commitment. The remarks, made fresh from his Beijing summit with Xi, raised questions in Taipei and among US lawmakers about the reliability of American security commitments. Taiwan President Lai Ching-te responded by reaffirming that Taiwan is 'sovereign and independent.' The comments signal a transactional approach to the Taiwan issue that could undermine deterrence against potential Chinese aggression.
Strategic interpretation
Treating Taiwan arms sales as a bargaining chip fundamentally alters the credibility of US security commitments in East Asia. This approach may strengthen China's negotiating position by signaling that Washington views Taiwan's defense as negotiable, potentially encouraging Beijing to increase pressure. Allies in Japan and South Korea may question the reliability of US security guarantees more broadly.