Taiwan Arms Deals Threaten Xi-Trump Summit

China has warned the United States that it may cancel the anticipated summit between President Xi Jinping and Donald Trump at the White House on September 24 if Washington approves new arms deals for Taiwan, according to the British newspaper The Telegraph, citing informed sources.

Trump places great importance on the third direct meeting with Xi within a year, as the midterm congressional elections approach in November next year, hoping the summit will bolster his political image.

However, Beijing has reiterated, in parallel with summit preparations, that the Taiwan issue represents a “red line” in bilateral relations, multiple sources told Japan’s Kyodo News agency.

The Chinese president previously informed his American counterpart that Taiwan is the “most important issue” in relations between the two countries, warning that mishandling it could lead to conflict.

During his visit to Beijing last May, Trump said that U.S. arms sales to Taiwan could serve as a “very good negotiating card” in his dealings with China.