In an upcoming visit to Beijing, U.S. President Donald Trump plans to address critical topics with Chinese President Xi Jinping, including arms sales to Taiwan and the situation of jailed Hong Kong media mogul Jimmy Lai. Trump confirmed to reporters at the White House that the discussion on Taiwan’s defense support, a long-standing point of contention between the U.S. and China, will be part of his dialogue with Xi. Last December, Trump authorized the largest-ever U.S. arms package for Taiwan, valued at over $11 billion, reinforcing Washington’s commitment to Taiwan’s defense. Despite China’s disapproval, Trump’s aides have recently urged Taiwan to increase its defense spending, maintaining the U.S. stance ahead of the Trump-Xi summit.
Trump expressed confidence that tensions over Taiwan would not escalate during his presidency, citing his positive relationship with President Xi as a stabilizing factor. “I don’t think it’ll happen,” he said, emphasizing his belief in a peaceful resolution. Alongside the defense discussions, Trump intends to raise the issue of Jimmy Lai, a prominent pro-democracy figure and critic of China’s policies in Hong Kong. Lai received a 20-year prison sentence in February on charges related to conspiracy and publishing seditious materials, sparking international concern over the implications of Hong Kong’s national security law.
The imprisonment of Lai, who founded the now-closed Apple Daily newspaper, has drawn criticism from foreign governments and human rights organizations, highlighting fears about the erosion of freedom in Hong Kong. Trump noted that he had previously discussed Lai’s case with Chinese authorities and expressed a desire to see Lai released, acknowledging the turmoil his case has caused for both China and the international community. “Jimmy Lai — he caused lots of turmoil for China. He tried to do the right thing,” Trump remarked, reiterating his support for Lai’s release.
Additionally, Trump plans to bring attention to the case of Pastor Jin Mingri, the founder of Zion Church, arrested late last year amid a crackdown on religious practices in China. This crackdown followed new regulations from China’s top religious authority, which prohibit unauthorized online preaching and foreign collaboration in religious activities. By addressing these sensitive issues, Trump aims to engage in a comprehensive dialogue with Xi, touching on key areas of concern between the two nations.