President Donald Trump has refused to approve over $400 million in military aid to Taiwan this summer. This decision marks a significant shift in U.S. policy toward Taiwan, which China claims as its own territory.
According to the Washington Post, Trump’s move comes as he seeks to negotiate a trade agreement and explore a possible summit with Chinese leader Xi Jinping.
Reason Behind the Decision
The suspension of aid is linked to ongoing trade and diplomatic negotiations with China. Officials indicate that the president aims to use the pause in military assistance as leverage during talks with Xi Jinping.
Trump is expected to have a high-level phone call with Xi in the coming hours, focusing on TikTok regulations and broader U.S.-China trade agreements.
Potential Impact on U.S.-Taiwan Relations
The decision has drawn attention from policy analysts and Taiwanese officials, who note that delaying military support could influence Taiwan’s defense planning. While the suspension could be reversed, it reflects the U.S. administration’s strategic balancing between trade and security priorities.
Upcoming Trade Talks with China
Trump’s discussions with Xi are expected to cover multiple economic and security issues, including the regulation of Chinese tech companies and trade concessions. Observers suggest that the Taiwan aid decision is part of a broader strategy to strengthen U.S.-China negotiations without escalating tensions in the Taiwan Strait.
