Trump to discuss Taiwan arms sales, jailed HK tycoon Jimmy Lai with Xi

U.S. President Donald Trump said on Monday he would discuss the topic of arms sales to Taiwan and the case of jailed media tycoon Jimmy ‌Lai with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing this week, Reuters reported

"I'm going to have that discussion with President Xi," Trump told reporters at the White House when asked about Washington's longstanding support for Taiwan's defense.

President Xi would like us not to, and I'll have that discussion. That's one of the many things I'll be talking about."

China claims the democratically governed island as its own, a contention Taiwan rejects. Washington follows a "one-China policy," acknowledging China's position but taking no view on Taiwan's sovereignty.

The United States is Taiwan's most important international backer and is bound by law to help with its defense.

The arms transfers have long been a ⁠source of friction in U.S.-China relations. In December, Trump announced the largest-ever U.S. weapons package for the island, more than $11 billion.

In recent days, the Republican president's aides have urged Taiwan to commit even more money to its defense, and a U.S. official said the Trump-Xi summit signaled no change in policy toward Taiwan.

Speaking to reporters, Trump repeated his doubt that tension over the island would erupt during his presidency.

"I don't think it'll happen," he said, without elaborating. "I think we'll be fine. I have a very good relationship with President Xi. He knows I don't want that to happen."

Asked about Trump's comments, a Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson in Beijing said the countries would "engage in an in-depth exchange of views on major issues concerning China-US relations, as well as global peace and development".

The spokesperson, Guo Jiakun, added, "China’s stance against the United States’ arms sales to Taiwan Province of China has been consistent and clear."