US Ambassador Says Trump Offered to Sell Arms to China

US Ambassador to China David Perdue said President Donald Trump asked Chinese President Xi Jinping whether China wanted to buy American-made weapons. Perdue made the revelation during a discussion on Fox News Sunday about Xi's recent state visit to Washington.

"President Trump continues to say, 'Hey, we sell arms to other people around the world.' He actually asked President Xi would he like to buy some at one point," Perdue said. The ambassador did not reveal Xi's response or any further details of the exchange.

The admission that a US president had offered to sell arms to China is extraordinary. China is viewed by US policymakers and legislators across both parties as America's chief strategic rival and the only nation capable of challenging its superpower status.

Asked for comment, the White House said through an official that the United States had no plans to sell arms to China. The State Department issued a statement declaring that "US law prohibits arms sales to China, and there is no offer or plan to sell arms to China."

The revelation comes as President Trump is withholding a $14 billion arms package to Taiwan, a longstanding flashpoint in US-China relations.

Analysis

Why This Matters

The offer, if genuine, represents a fundamental shift in US policy, which has long treated China as an adversary to be contained rather than a potential customer for advanced weapons.
It places the ongoing withholding of a major arms package to Taiwan in a new light, potentially as a bargaining chip rather than a firm policy position.
The contradiction between the President's reported offer and explicit US law banning arms sales to China creates immediate diplomatic confusion.

Background

The United States has maintained a legal and policy framework prohibiting major arms sales to China for decades. At the same time, it has been a primary supplier of weapons to Taiwan, an island Beijing claims as part of its territory and a consistent source of tension between the two countries. The Trump administration's recent decision to withhold a large Taiwan arms package broke with established practice, generating uncertainty over US commitment to the region.

Key Perspectives

The Trump Administration: Ambassador Perdue's comments suggest a transactional view of foreign policy, where even strategic competitors can be customers. This aligns with Trump's known focus on trade balances and deal-making. China: Beijing has not yet publicly reacted to Perdue's claim. Its long-standing position rules out major arms purchases from Western nations, relying instead on domestic production and limited Russian imports. Xi Jinping's reported silence on the offer may indicate polite dismissal or careful diplomatic calculation. Critics and Skeptics: US foreign policy hawks in both parties are likely to be alarmed. They will argue that arming China directly contradicts the strategic purpose of balancing against Beijing. The State Department's swift denial suggests significant internal disarray or an attempt to walk back the President's remarks.

What to Watch

An official response from the Chinese government on whether Xi was offered arms and if any discussions occurred.
Congressional reaction, particularly whether legislators move to reinforce the arms sale ban or force the release of the Taiwan package.
Whether this revelation impacts the ongoing trade or diplomatic talks between the two nations.

Analysis

Why This Matters

Background

Key Perspectives

What to Watch

Sources