In an upcoming meeting in Beijing, U.S. President Donald Trump plans to address the subjects of arms sales to Taiwan and the imprisonment of Hong Kong media mogul Jimmy Lai with Chinese President Xi Jinping. Trump confirmed this agenda while speaking to reporters at the White House, emphasizing the U.S.’s historical support for Taiwan’s defense. He acknowledged that President Xi is opposed to these arms sales, but stated his intention to discuss the matter regardless. Last December, Trump authorized the largest-ever U.S. weapons package for Taiwan, valued at over $11 billion, and recent communications from his aides have encouraged Taiwan to further increase its defense spending.
Despite the ongoing tensions, Trump expressed confidence that the situation involving Taiwan would not reach a crisis point during his presidency. He reassured reporters by saying, “I don’t think it’ll happen,” and highlighted his strong relationship with President Xi as a stabilizing factor. Trump reiterated that Xi is aware of his desire to avoid any escalation related to Taiwan. A U.S. official also mentioned that the upcoming summit between Trump and Xi does not indicate a shift in the U.S.’s stance on Taiwan.
The case of Jimmy Lai, a staunch pro-democracy figure and a prominent critic of China, is another topic Trump intends to discuss with Xi. Lai, who founded the now-closed Apple Daily newspaper, was sentenced in February to 20 years in prison after being convicted on charges related to conspiracy with foreign forces and publishing seditious material. His imprisonment has drawn international attention and criticism, particularly concerning the national security measures imposed in Hong Kong. Trump expressed his support for Lai, acknowledging the turmoil Lai caused for China, and stated his intention to address the issue again with Xi.
Additionally, Trump plans to bring up the case of Jin Mingri, the founder of Zion Church, who was arrested late last year. This crackdown followed new regulations from China’s top religious authority, which prohibit unauthorized online religious activities and foreign collaborations by clergy. These issues highlight the broader tensions between the U.S. and China over matters of human rights and religious freedom, with Trump’s discussions set to navigate these complex diplomatic waters.