Washington: The White House has reiterated that U.S. policy toward Taiwan remains unchanged following U.S. President Donald Trump's statement about discussing U.S. arms sales to Taiwan with Chinese leader Xi Jinping. Trump indicated that a decision on the matter would be made "soon."

According to Focus Taiwan, Trump addressed reporters aboard Air Force One, commenting on recent warnings from Beijing concerning potential U.S. arms sales to Taiwan. "I'm talking to him about it. We had a good conversation," Trump stated, adding that a determination would be made shortly. Trump also expressed his expectation to visit China in April, emphasizing his positive relationship with Xi.

These remarks have attracted attention in Washington. In response to inquiries from CNA, a White House official reiterated, "There is no change to our policy with respect to Taiwan."

Since returning to the White House last year, Trump has engaged in multiple discussions with Xi, with their latest call occurring on February 4. Following the call, the Financial Times reported on February 7 that Washington was preparing a potential arms package for Taiwan worth approximately US$20 billion, which could include Patriot missile systems and other weaponry.

The report noted that Beijing has privately cautioned that such a move might endanger Trump's planned state visit to China in April. Trump, in a social media post on February 4, mentioned that the two leaders discussed numerous issues, including trade, military matters, his planned visit to China, Taiwan, Russia's war in Ukraine, the situation in Iran, and potential Chinese purchases of U.S. oil, gas, and agricultural products. However, he did not provide further details on the discussions related to Taiwan.

China's state-run Xinhua News Agency reported at the time that Xi emphasized that the Taiwan issue is the most critical and sensitive matter in U.S.-China relations, urging Washington to handle arms sales to Taiwan with caution. According to the report, Trump acknowledged China's concerns and committed to maintaining stable bilateral ties during his term.

A White House official further clarified that under the U.S.' "one China" policy, Washington continues to engage with both sides of the Taiwan Strait, consistent with previous administrations. The policy is founded on the Taiwan Relations Act, the three U.S.-China joint communiqu©s, and the Six Assurances to Taiwan. "There is no change to our policy with respect to Taiwan," the official reiterated.

The Taiwan Relations Act, enacted by the U.S. Congress after Washington shifted diplomatic recognition from Taipei to Beijing, governs post-recognition relations and encompasses security, arms sales, trade, and cultural exchanges. The Six Assurances, established during Ronald Reagan's administration in 1982, include U.S. commitments not to consult Beijing on arms sales to Taiwan, not to mediate between Taipei and Beijing, not to alter its stance on Taiwan's sovereignty, and not to pressure Taiwan into negotiations with China.