In a significant diplomatic engagement, U.S. President Donald Trump announced plans to discuss arms sales to Taiwan and the case of jailed Hong Kong media tycoon Jimmy Lai with Chinese President Xi Jinping during his upcoming visit to Beijing this week. Trump addressed reporters at the White House, affirming his intention to talk about the U.S.’s enduring support for Taiwan’s defense, acknowledging that President Xi prefers otherwise. This conversation is expected to be among several critical topics on their agenda.
Last December, Trump revealed the largest U.S. arms package for Taiwan, valued at over $11 billion. Recently, his administration has encouraged Taiwan to increase its defense spending. Despite the high stakes, Trump expressed confidence that tensions over Taiwan would not escalate during his tenure, citing his strong relationship with President Xi as a stabilizing factor. “I don’t think it’ll happen,” Trump asserted, suggesting that both leaders are keen to avoid conflict.
Trump also intends to advocate for Jimmy Lai, a prominent pro-democracy figure and critic of the Chinese government in Hong Kong. Lai received a 20-year prison sentence in February after being convicted of conspiring to collude with foreign forces and publishing seditious materials. Trump noted Lai’s efforts to challenge China’s policies, acknowledging the global concern sparked by the crackdown on dissent in Hong Kong, particularly following the Apple Daily newspaper’s closure, which Lai founded. Trump has previously raised Lai’s imprisonment with Chinese authorities and plans to do so again, emphasizing the international demand for Lai’s release.
In addition to discussing Taiwan and Lai, Trump will address the arrest of Pastor Jin Mingri, founder of Zion Church, who was detained last year. This action followed new regulations from China’s top religious body, banning unauthorized online preaching and religious instruction by clergy, as well as prohibiting “foreign collusion.” The situation of Pastor Jin and the larger context of religious repression in China will also feature in the Trump-Xi talks, reflecting the broader concerns over human rights and religious freedom in the region.