US President Donald Trump announced plans to discuss critical topics with Chinese President Xi Jinping during his upcoming visit to Beijing. Among the issues on the agenda are the longstanding US arms sales to Taiwan and the high-profile case of imprisoned Hong Kong media mogul Jimmy Lai. At a White House briefing, Trump addressed reporters, emphasizing his intention to engage in dialogue with Xi regarding Washington’s continued support for Taiwan’s defense, a point of contention for Beijing.
In December, Trump had unveiled a significant arms deal for Taiwan, valued at over $11 billion, marking the largest US weapons package for the island. Despite this, Trump’s aides have been encouraging Taiwan to further boost its defense spending. A US official reaffirmed that the anticipated meeting between Trump and Xi does not suggest a shift in policy towards Taiwan. Trump expressed confidence that any tensions over Taiwan would not escalate into a crisis during his tenure, citing his strong rapport with President Xi as a stabilizing factor.
In addition to defense matters, Trump intends to revisit the situation of Jimmy Lai, a prominent pro-democracy figure and outspoken critic of Beijing, who is currently serving a 20-year prison sentence. Lai was convicted earlier this year on charges of conspiring with foreign entities and disseminating seditious materials. His case has drawn international attention and criticism, highlighting concerns over China’s national security measures in Hong Kong, especially given Lai’s role as the founder of the now-defunct Apple Daily newspaper.
Trump conveyed his ongoing support for Lai, noting that he has previously addressed the issue with Chinese officials and will do so again in his upcoming discussions with Xi. The imprisonment of Lai underscores the broader crackdown on dissent in Hong Kong, which has been met with condemnation from various foreign governments and global human rights organizations, who view it as a troubling development.
Additionally, Trump plans to discuss the arrest of Pastor Jin Mingri, leader of the Zion Church, who was detained last year following China’s implementation of stringent regulations on religious practices. These new rules, introduced by China’s top religious authority, restrict unauthorized online religious activities and prohibit foreign involvement, further tightening the state’s control over religious expression. Trump’s engagement with these sensitive issues reflects his administration’s broader concerns over religious freedom and human rights in China.