Donald Trump asked Xi Jinping whether China wished to purchase American arms, according to the United States ambassador to China. Washington emphasized, however, that current law strictly forbids such transactions and no offer is under consideration.
Donald Trump asked Xi Jinping if China intended to buy American weaponry, according to United States ambassador to Beijing David Perdue, speaking Sunday, September 27. Washington moved quickly, nevertheless, to clarify that no sale was genuinely envisioned.
Questioned on Fox News regarding arms shipments to Taiwan, the diplomat explained that Trump reminded his Chinese counterpart that the United States sells military hardware “to other nations globally,” before asking him, “at one point,” whether he might also wish to acquire some. The ambassador specified neither the exact date of this exchange nor Xi’s response.
Another Instance of Trump’s Posturing
The State Department immediately downplayed these remarks: federal legislation bans weapon exports to China and there exists “no offer nor any proposal” in this direction.
The event occurs amid heightened sensitivity surrounding Taiwan. Beijing views the island as an integral portion of its territory and consistently urges Washington to cease military supplies. The United States continues as Taipei’s chief defense contractor.
A record sale valued at 11 billion dollars was authorized in December 2025, whereas a subsequent package of approximately 14 billion has remained stalled for several months. Trump previously referenced this matter as a “very effective bargaining tool” vis-a-vis Beijing.
During Xi’s visit to Washington on September 24, the Chinese leader once again requested that the United States oppose Taiwanese independence.
The ambassador’s disclosure does not imply that a Sino-American defense agreement is in development. It aligns with a period where the Trump administration endeavors to steady bilateral ties with Beijing while navigating talks on Taiwan, trade, and overarching strategy.
An actual delivery of American weaponry to China would mark a profound departure from decades of established United States policy.