U.S. Ambassador to China David Perdue disclosed on Sunday that President Trump floated the idea of selling weapons to Beijing during his recent meetings with Chinese President Xi Jinping. The remarks, made on Fox News Sunday, add a surprising twist to a relationship marked by rivalry and friction.
Perdue told host Shannon Bream that Trump has repeatedly emphasized America's role as a global arms supplier. "He actually asked President Xi, would he like to buy some, at one point," the ambassador said, recounting the exchange. The offer, though informal, underscores the president's transactional approach to diplomacy.
The disclosure comes against a backdrop of heightened tensions between the two nations. Washington and Beijing are locked in a competitive race to develop advanced artificial intelligence, while holding sharply divergent views on Taiwanese sovereignty. China's alliances with U.S. adversaries, including Iran, further complicate the relationship.
Trump confirmed on Friday that he will meet Xi twice more before the end of the year. In a Truth Social post, the president announced he would see Xi in November at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in China, followed by a second meeting in December at the Group of 20 summit in Miami.
"President Xi and Madam Peng have just left D.C., heading for China. The meeting was one of Friendship, Strength, and Success, for both China and the U.S.A.," Trump wrote. "Much has been, and will be, accomplished. I look forward to our next meeting!"
Xi's second state visit to the United States concluded on Friday. His previous visit came 11 years ago during the Obama administration. Trump rolled out a lavish welcome for the Chinese leader despite criticism from both parties over the historically chilly state of bilateral ties.
The arms sales proposal, if pursued, could have significant implications for regional security and U.S. foreign policy. It also raises questions about the administration's stance on China's military buildup, which has been a point of concern for Pentagon officials and lawmakers. The offer may be seen as an attempt to strengthen economic ties, but it risks alienating allies in the Indo-Pacific who view China as a strategic competitor.
Perdue's comments are likely to fuel debate in Washington, where some lawmakers have called for a tougher line on Beijing. The ambassador's revelation adds another layer to the complex and often contradictory relationship between the world's two largest economies.
As the two leaders prepare for their upcoming meetings, the arms sales proposal may become a topic of discussion, though it remains unclear whether Xi took the offer seriously. For now, the diplomatic overture underscores the unpredictable nature of Trump's engagement with China.
