Taiwan faces uncertainty following reports that former U.S. President Donald Trump privately offered to sell arms to China during a recent meeting with President Xi Jinping in Washington. The offer, revealed by David Perdue, the American ambassador to China, has raised concerns amid longstanding tensions between Taiwan, China, and the United States.

At a private discussion last week, Trump reportedly asked President Xi if he would like to purchase weapons, an offer that appeared at odds with U.S. laws and policy. The United States Congress has mandated the protection of Taiwan against Beijing’s threats, and the U.S. maintains an arms embargo on China. The U.S. State Department promptly denied any plans or offers to sell arms to China, reiterating existing legal prohibitions.

Trump later appeared to downplay the remark, saying he did not recall making the offer when questioned at a press conference. According to Perdue, however, the comment emerged during a conversation about one of the most sensitive issues in U.S.-China relations—the future of Taiwan—and underscores the delicate balancing act facing U.S. policymakers in East Asia.

In May, ahead of his state visit to Beijing, Trump paused a $14 billion arms sale to Taiwan approved by Congress, citing a desire to maintain a favorable atmosphere for negotiations. Trump referred to the deal as a “very good negotiating chip.” Since then, calls for completion of the arms sale have intensified, especially from Republican senators who have expressed frustration with the delay.

Taiwanese officials have responded cautiously to the reports, with Deputy Foreign Minister Chen Ming-chi affirming that U.S. policy toward Taiwan remains unchanged. Analysts suggest that Taiwan views the continuation of arms sales as essential to its security, particularly due to its dominance in the global semiconductor supply chain—a critical factor in regional stability.

The episode highlights the complicated nature of U.S. policy, which officially “acknowledges” China’s “One China” principle without explicitly opposing Taiwan’s independence or committing to defense under all circumstances. Trump’s approach has been inconsistent, alternating between firm support for Taiwan and prioritizing improved ties with China.

Military analyst Hung Tzu-chieh, from Taiwan’s Institute for National Defence and Security Research, suggested that Trump’s purported offer might have been a diplomatic tactic to soften the firm rejection of Xi’s demand that the U.S. adopt a stance explicitly opposing Taiwan independence.

Further complicating matters, Trump is scheduled to meet President Xi multiple times before the end of the year, a frequency of high-level engagement not seen since the presidency of Joe Biden. Meanwhile, Taiwan-based experts anticipate that arms deliveries will proceed but likely in a gradual, piecemeal fashion to reduce political tensions.

The evolving situation underscores the strategic ambiguity maintained by all parties, with Taiwan caught between two superpowers whose competitive diplomacy shapes the island’s security and future.