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Taiwan-China Military Tensions

PLA military exercises and incursions near Taiwan, US arms sales debates, and the risk of a cross-strait conflict under Trump

Trump calls Taiwan arms sales a 'very good negotiating chip' with China

Illustration accompanying article: Trump calls Taiwan arms sales a 'very good negotiating chip' with China
  • President Donald Trump described arms sales to Taiwan as a “very good negotiating chip” with China in a Fox News interview, conditioning a $14 billion weapons package on negotiations, the Associated Press reported Friday.
  • Trump said approval of the package “depends on China,” placing Taiwan’s defense as a bargaining piece rather than a legal obligation; William Yang, an analyst at International Crisis Group, said it is one of Taiwan’s “nightmare scenarios” — that the island “is on the menu.”
  • Trump also called for Taiwan’s microchip makers, including TSMC, to relocate all production to the U.S., and repeated an older accusation that Taiwan “stole” its chipmaking sector from the United States.
  • Chinese President Xi Jinping warned Trump of “clashes and even conflicts” if the Taiwan issue is not handled properly, ahead of a planned visit by Russian President Vladimir Putin to Beijing.
 3 MIN READ

Trump calls Taiwan a “negotiating chip,” spurring Taiwan and China anxieties

Illustration accompanying article: Trump calls Taiwan a “negotiating chip,” spurring Taiwan and China anxieties
  • U.S. President Donald Trump said in a Fox News interview that a stalled $14 billion arms package for Taiwan is “up to China.”
  • Trump described Taiwan as “a very good negotiating chip” and said it is “a lot of weapons.”
  • China framed Taiwan as “the most important issue in China-U.S. relations” in President Xi Jinping’s recent summit with Trump.
  • Xi warned Trump that mishandling Taiwan could lead to “clashes and even conflicts.”
  • Taiwan’s presidential office said the U.S. policy toward Taiwan remains unchanged and that U.S. arms sales are stipulated by law.
 3 MIN READ
Illustration accompanying article: Trump says he hasn’t decided on Taiwan arms after Xi objections

Taiwan Reports 26 Chinese Military Planes After Two-Week Drop

2026-03-14

Taiwan's defense ministry said Sunday it detected 26 Chinese military aircraft near the island on Saturday, ending a notable two-week decline in such activities. The surge included 16 planes entering Taiwan's Air Defense Identification Zone.

Chinese Military Flights Near Taiwan Plunge, Raising Questions

2026-03-14

Chinese warplane activity around Taiwan has dropped sharply, with a seven-day period in late February and early March recording no detected flights, according to an Associated Press report on Thursday. The mysterious decline coincides with political events and raises strategic questions about Beijing's intentions.

Trump says he is discussing Taiwan arms sales with China, raising concerns

2026-02-19

U.S. President Donald Trump said he is discussing potential arms sales to Taiwan with Chinese President Xi Jinping, a remark that has drawn concern in Taipei about how closely the United States will consult with Beijing on future security support for the island. Trump made the comments Monday when asked about Xi’s opposition, as he prepares for a trip to China in April.

Taiwan detains TV journalist, alleges bribes to leak military info to China

2026-01-18

Taiwan’s prosecutors say a television reporter was detained after an order to hold him over allegations that he bribed active and retired military officers to provide information to people in mainland China. The journalist, identified by a court filing as “Lin” and by CTi TV as Lin Chen-you, was detained along with five officers, prosecutors said.

China says it completed Taiwan drills as Japan, Philippines warn

2026-01-01

China’s People’s Liberation Army said Wednesday it “successfully completed” two days of military exercises in waters off Taiwan, concluding what it described as a New Year’s Eve “Justice Mission 2025.” The announcement came as regional governments and the U.S. criticized recent PLA activity around the self-governing island.

Xi’s New Year’s Eve address hails tech drive, reiterates Taiwan annexation vow

2026-01-01

Chinese President Xi Jinping used a New Year’s Eve address broadcast by state media to praise China’s technological progress and renew his pledge to annex self-ruled Taiwan. In the Wednesday evening remarks, Xi highlighted advances in areas including artificial intelligence, semiconductors, military technology and space exploration, while also discussing China’s economic planning and its standing on the world stage.