U.S. May Hold Off on Taiwan Weapons Sales Until After APEC and G20 Meetings
The United States is weighing a postponement of major arms sales to Taiwan, potentially extending the delay past the APEC summit.
According to multiple sources, the United States is contemplating a hold on major arms sales to Taiwan, aiming to sidestep diplomatic friction. The delay is likely to stretch beyond the upcoming APEC summit in China. President Donald Trump is reported to be open to extending the postponement, potentially keeping it in place until the end of the year.
The timing aligns with Chinese President Xi Jinping's planned visit to Florida for the Group of 20 summit in December. Officials suggest the move is intended to prevent the sales from interfering with high-level talks between the two powers. No final decision has been announced, and the situation remains under review.
Why it matters
Delaying Taiwan arms sales could affect regional security dynamics and U.S.-China relations.
How this story developed
- Sep 8 US State Department urges Americans to stay low-key in China amid exit bans
- Sep 12 The two leaders reaffirmed the need for mutual respect, sensitivity and shared interests while discussing border stability and economic cooperation. They highlighted progress in people-to-people contacts and called for expanded cultural, business and mobility links. Both sides also pledged to address trade imbalances, supply-chain challenges and to seek a fair, mutually acceptable resolution of the boundary issue.
- Sep 12 The leaders met bilaterally during the BRICS summit in New Delhi.
- Sep 13 Modi paused his closing‑session speech to query Xi’s translator after the Chinese president showed discomfort and skipped the gala dinner.
- Sep 15 Taiwan began drafting travel guidelines after China announced new border regulations.
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