U.S. President Donald Trump has confirmed that discussions on arms sales to Taiwan will be a central topic during his upcoming summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping.
The announcement comes amid heightened geopolitical tensions and follows prior expectations that the meeting would primarily address the escalating conflict in Iran.
The focus on Taiwan marks a shift in the diplomatic agenda, with trade and supply chain issues such as tariffs and rare earths reportedly taking a back seat.
Analysts suggest that the move could further strain U.S.-China relations, particularly given Beijing's longstanding opposition to U.S. military support for Taiwan.
The broader context of the summit includes about the war in Iran and its potential ripple effects on global energy markets and trade routes.
Trump's emphasis on Taiwan arms sales underscores the delicate balance of U.S. foreign policy in the region, where maintaining a strategic edge while avoiding direct confrontation remains a priority.