Trump and Xi to Discuss Taiwan Arms Sales in Washington

Chinese President Xi Jinping is expected to press US President Donald Trump to halt arms sales to Taiwan during his Washington visit this week, citing a 1982 joint communiqué, according to sources familiar with the matter. Beijing considers Taiwan its territory and has repeatedly demanded an end to weapons sales to the island, which it views as its most sensitive foreign policy issue. The US is legally committed to providing Taiwan with means to defend itself, despite lacking formal diplomatic relations. China has increased military activity around Taiwan in recent years, while the Trump administration approved an $11 billion arms package in December, the largest in history. A second $14 billion package remains pending, with Trump calling it a "very good negotiating card."