Xi may demand Trump halt Taiwan arms sales

Chinese President Xi Jinping may demand that US President Donald Trump halt American arms sales to Taiwan during their meeting in Washington, according to Reuters, citing three sources familiar with pre-summit negotiations. Beijing may reference the 1982 US-China joint communiqué, in which Washington stated its intention to gradually reduce arms sales to Taiwan, though a Reagan-era note tied reductions to China's commitment to peaceful resolution. China has also reportedly requested halting deliveries of already-ordered weapons, potentially offering help pressuring Iran in return. The Trump administration approved an $11 billion arms package in December, with a second ~$14 billion package pending. The US maintains its "One China" policy while legally obligated to provide Taiwan self-defense means. The summit is scheduled for September 23-25 in Washington.