Xi Jinping Warns President Trump on Taiwan Arms Sales Amid Tensions
In a recent phone call, Chinese leader Xi Jinping cautioned U.S. President Donald Trump to exercise prudence regarding the sale of arms to Taiwan. This conversation marked their first direct communication since November. Xi emphasized that the Taiwan issue is a critical aspect of China-U.S. relations, underscoring China's commitment to maintaining its sovereignty and territorial integrity. The U.S. State Department had previously announced a significant arms package to Taiwan, valued at over $11.1 billion, which includes missiles, artillery systems, and drones. This proposal has yet to receive congressional approval. China's response to the proposed arms sales was swift and severe, involving military drills around Taiwan. Meanwhile, Taiwan's President Lai Ching-te affirmed the strong ties between Taiwan and the U.S., despite opposition from Taiwan's KMT party and some citizens regarding increased defense spending. 
