Taiwan Thanks US for Support Ahead of Trump-Xi Summit

Taiwan's government thanked the US for its support on Thursday and said it was maintaining communications ahead of a Washington summit between President Donald Trump and China's leader Xi Jinping. China claims Taiwan as its own territory and reiterated Wednesday that the topic is a "red line" the US must not cross. Xi is expected to press Trump to halt Taiwan arms sales during his visit, sources said. Taiwan cabinet spokesperson Michelle Lee said the government has been monitoring developments and cooperating with the US at various levels, expressing gratitude for Washington's long-standing support. The US approved an $11 billion arms package for Taiwan in December, while a second $14 billion package has been held up for months. Trump previously called the second package a "very good negotiating chip," and Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the administration must balance broader needs.