"Trump's Remarks on Discussing Taiwan Arms Sales with Xi Jinping Spark Controversy"

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[Financial News] Controversy is growing after Donald Trump said on the 15th that he had "discussed in great detail" U.S. arms sales to Taiwan with Chinese President Xi Jinping. Some observers are also suggesting that the United States' 44-year-old policy toward Taiwan could be changing.
Trump made the remarks aboard his private jet on the way home after a three-day, two-night visit to China. When reporters asked him, "In 1982, President Ronald Reagan promised that the United States would not consult China about arms sales to Taiwan, but it seems you did," he replied, "The 1980s were quite a long time ago."
He then said, "Xi clearly talked about it."
Trump added, "So what am I supposed to do? Am I supposed to say, 'I don't want to talk about it. There is an agreement signed in 1982'? No. We discussed arms sales to Taiwan. In fact, all discussions about arms sales were held 'in great detail.'"
Trump also said, "I will make the decision," adding, "But as you know, the last thing we want right now is a war 9,500 miles away."
The United States announced the Six Assurances in 1982 under the Reagan administration. One of the six points states that the United States will not hold prior consultations with China when selling arms to Taiwan. The measure reflects Washington's position that it will not allow China to interfere in arms sales to Taiwan.
Ahead of the U.S.-China summit, there had been speculation that Xi would ask Trump to at least delay arms sales to Taiwan.
Although Marco Rubio, the United States Secretary of State, said in an interview with a U.S. media outlet the day before the summit that Washington's Taiwan policy "has not changed. It has been fairly consistent across several administrations and remains consistent now," Trump made the remarks on the day.
In particular, the Trump administration disclosed plans in December last year to sell Taiwan $1.1 billion worth of weapons. It is also preparing another arms package worth at least $14 billion. Depending on Trump's decision, the move is expected to trigger debate in Washington and raise concerns among allies.
koreanbae@fnnews.com Bae Han-geul Reporter