Donald Trump has raised fresh concerns in Taiwan after suggesting that American arms sales to the island could become part of future negotiations with China.
The remarks came during an interview with Fox News after Trump completed a major visit to Beijing, where he held talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping.
During the interview, Trump said a proposed $14 billion weapons package for Taiwan remains on hold and could depend on future negotiations with China.
“It’s a very good negotiating chip for us,” Trump said while discussing the possible arms sale.
The comments quickly created anxiety in Taiwan, where leaders closely depend on US military support as tensions with China continue to grow.
China considers Taiwan part of its territory and has repeatedly said it could use force to bring the island under Beijing’s control if necessary. Taiwan, however, operates as a self-governing democracy with its own government, military, and economy.
Although the United States does not officially recognise Taiwan as an independent country, Washington remains the island’s strongest international supporter and largest arms supplier.
Under US law, the American government is required to help Taiwan maintain the ability to defend itself against military threats.
Political analysts say Trump’s latest remarks have increased fears in Taiwan that the island could become part of wider trade and diplomatic negotiations between Washington and Beijing.
William Yang said one of Taiwan’s biggest fears is being treated as a bargaining tool instead of a direct participant in decisions affecting its future.
Trump did not explain what he may want from China in exchange for delaying or limiting weapons sales to Taiwan. However, his administration has been pressuring Beijing on trade issues and seeking greater Chinese cooperation on international matters involving Iran.
The US Congress and the Trump administration had already approved a separate $11 billion arms package for Taiwan in December. China strongly criticised the decision and responded with military drills around the island.
Beijing has consistently described Taiwan as the most sensitive issue in US-China relations. During his summit with Trump, Xi reportedly warned that mishandling the Taiwan issue could lead to “clashes and even conflicts.”
Taiwan’s government tried to calm public concerns following Trump’s comments.
Karen Kuo said US policy toward Taiwan remains unchanged and stressed that arms sales are based on American law.
She also repeated Taiwan’s position that the island is a sovereign and democratic state despite Beijing’s claims.
The latest tensions come as Taiwan continues to play a major role in the global technology industry. Taiwan produces most of the world’s advanced microchips, which are used in artificial intelligence systems, smartphones, vehicles, and military equipment.
Trump also raised concerns in Taiwan after calling for Taiwanese chip companies to move production to the United States.
He said he would like manufacturers in Taiwan to expand operations in America, describing such a move as important for the US economy and technology sector.
Taiwan’s largest chipmaker, TSMC, has already committed billions of dollars to major investments in Arizona.
Earlier this year, Taiwan also announced broader investments in the American semiconductor industry as part of a wider trade agreement with Washington.
Trump repeated older claims that Taiwan benefited from the decline of US chip manufacturing decades ago. His comments added to worries on the island about whether Washington could pressure Taiwanese companies further.
Observers also noted that Trump appeared to echo some of Beijing’s criticism of Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te.
China has labelled Lai as a supporter of Taiwan independence and accused him of increasing the risk of war in the region.
Trump said during the interview that he does not want changes to the current situation between Taiwan and China. However, he also suggested Taiwan’s leadership may be pushing toward independence because it believes the United States would support the island during a conflict.
Analysts say Taiwan is now closely watching future US actions rather than focusing only on political statements.
Wen-Ti Sung said Trump’s comments may reflect a highly transactional negotiating style, but Taiwan remains concerned about what future US policy decisions could mean for the island’s security.
As tensions continue between China, Taiwan, and the United States, the situation remains one of the most sensitive issues in global politics and regional security.
