May 17, 2026

Trump calls Taiwan arms deal a “negotiating chip” after three days with Xi in Beijing

two people shaking hands over a piece of paper
Amina Atar / Unsplash

  Donald Trump flew home from Beijing on Friday having told China’s Xi Jinping that a $14 billion arms package for Taiwan is “a very good negotiating chip,” a remark that reframes American security commitments to a democratic ally as a bargaining tok...