Trump reportedly offered military hardware to Xi amid Taiwan tensions

Former US President Donald Trump reportedly offered to sell military equipment to Chinese leader Xi Jinping during high-level discussions, according to sources familiar with the conversations. The proposal emerged as negotiations between Washington and Beijing touched on broader trade relations and geopolitical concerns affecting the Indo-Pacific region.

The timing of the weapons offer coincided with discussions about Taiwan, the self-governed island at the centre of US-China tensions. While details of specific weapons systems remain unclear, the overture signals an attempt by Trump to establish a transactional relationship with Beijing that could reshape traditional US security commitments.

The development underscores the complex balancing act facing American policymakers regarding Taiwan. Washington maintains unofficial relations with Taipei while recognising Beijing under the "One China" policy, though it is obligated under the Taiwan Relations Act to provide defensive military capabilities to the island.

Chinese officials have historically expressed interest in acquiring advanced military technology to modernise its armed forces. Any formal agreement involving weapons sales would represent a significant diplomatic shift and could alarm regional partners, including India and Japan, who view US security commitments as crucial to maintaining stability in Asia.

The reported proposal reflects Trump's preference for direct negotiations with major powers and his focus on commercial arrangements. However, such deals would require Congressional approval in the United States and could face considerable scrutiny from lawmakers concerned about strengthening Chinese military capabilities.