President Donald Trump wrapped up critical talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping on Friday, claiming progress had been made in stabilizing U.S.-China relations amid tensions over Taiwan, the war in Iran and trade.
Before boarding Air Force One, Trump said he had not decided whether a major U.S. arms sale to Taiwan would move forward, adding, “I will make a determination.”
Xi warned Trump on Thursday of potential “clashes and conflicts” over Taiwan if the U.S.’s $11 billion arms package to the island is not handled properly. The White House announced the deal in December but has yet to begin fulfilling it.
Trump said Xi reiterated China’s opposition to Taiwanese independence. “I heard him out,” Trump said. “I didn’t make a comment.”
The leaders also agreed that the Strait of Hormuz — a vital shipping corridor effectively closed since the war began on Feb. 28 — must remain open to ensure the free flow of energy, and that Tehran can never be allowed to obtain a nuclear weapon.
China remains Iran’s largest trading partner, purchasing roughly 90% of its exported oil and generating billions of dollars annually for Tehran, according to the U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission.
“We feel very similar about how we want it to end,” Trump said, with Xi at his side. “We don’t want them to have a nuclear weapon.”
White House officials said Xi also opposed any implementation of tolls on vessels crossing the strait and expressed interest in China potentially purchasing U.S. oil to reduce its dependence on Gulf supplies.
Trump also raised the possibility of a trilateral nuclear agreement among the U.S., Russia and China that would cap each country’s nuclear arsenal. China has previously shown little interest in joining such a pact.
Beijing’s arsenal currently includes more than 600 operational nuclear warheads, according to Pentagon estimates — far below the stockpiles of the U.S. and Russia, which each possess more than 5,000. Still, Trump suggested Xi was receptive to the idea.
“I got a very positive response,” Trump said. “This is the beginning.”
The Pentagon estimates China’s arsenal could exceed 1,000 operational nuclear warheads by 2030.
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