WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump disputed claims that he asked Chinese leader Xi Jinping if he wanted to buy weapons from the United States, contradicting remarks made by U.S. Ambassador to China David Perdue. During a press conference on Monday, Trump expressed confusion regarding Perdue's comments, suggesting that the ambassador may have been referring to Taiwan instead of China. Trump stated, "maybe it's a good idea" to offer arms to China but clarified that he did not discuss such an offer with Xi.
Perdue had suggested on Fox News that Trump downplayed U.S. arms sales to Taiwan by framing it as a general discussion about global arms sales. The State Department distanced itself from Perdue's comments, emphasizing that U.S. law prohibits arms sales to China and that there is no plan to sell arms to China.
Trump responded to a reporter's question about Perdue's remarks by stating, "To China? You mean to Taiwan?" He indicated he was unaware of any such offer and would need to ask Perdue for clarification. Trump acknowledged that China might be interested in purchasing U.S. military equipment, which he described as superior, but reiterated that the topic had not been discussed.
Perdue defended Trump, asserting that the president has been strong on Taiwan and has sold it plenty of weapons. He mentioned ongoing discussions between Trump and Xi regarding future arms sales to Taiwan.
Analysts expressed concern that any offer to sell arms to China would represent a significant shift in U.S. policy, which has historically prohibited such sales. Evan Sankey from the Cato Institute noted that the last arms sale to Beijing occurred in the 1980s, and resuming those sales would be unprecedented. Craig Singleton from the Foundation for Defense of Democracies described Perdue's comments as indicative of Trump's transactional approach to international relations, viewing arms sales as leverage in negotiations.
China has consistently opposed U.S. arms sales to Taiwan, with Chinese officials urging Washington to cease such transactions. Following a summit between Trump and Xi, the U.S. had paused a significant arms package to Taiwan, with Trump previously referring to arms sales as a "very good negotiating chip" with China.
In response to inquiries about Perdue's remarks, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun did not confirm any details but reiterated China's commitment to strengthening its national defense based on its needs and maintaining global peace and stability.