President Donald Trump expressed uncertainty to Chinese President Xi Jinping about approving a planned $14 billion weapons package for Taiwan, consequently alarming key U.S. allies in the region.
Trump’s wavering position on the defense deal has particularly concerned Japan, with whom he spoke aboard Air Force One after the China summit, according to Axios. Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi told reporters they discussed China-related economic and security issues while reaffirming Indo-Pacific communication, but avoided answering whether Taiwan was discussed, citing Trump’s request for confidentiality — AOL reports.
Reports by Axios also indicate Takaichi’s hardline stance on Taiwan has become increasingly misaligned with Trump’s. South Korean and Taiwanese governments have also expressed worry about Trump’s inconsistent position on defending the island.
Trump’s uncertainty contradicts his earlier claim to reporters that he and Jinping discussed Taiwan “in great detail.” This follows Jinping’s opening warning about potential Taiwan-related conflicts during the Summit, reports Axios.
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