U.S. Law Prohibits Arms Sales to China, State Department Says Amid Taiwan Tensions
The State Department has reiterated that U.S. law prohibits arms sales to China, a point underscored by Senator David Perdue in recent remarks. Perdue, responding to questions about U.S. military transfers, said, “at one point,” that President Trump raised the issue of arms sales with Chinese President Xi Jinping. However, Beijing did not confirm Perdue’s account. The Chinese foreign ministry, when asked about the comments on Monday, did not directly address them but stated that China has “always strengthened its national defence capabilities based on its own needs, and remains committed to maintaining world peace and stability.” This exchange highlights the delicate balance in U.S.-China relations, particularly regarding military matters.
At the heart of the dispute are American arms sales to Taiwan, which remain one of the most sensitive issues between Washington and Beijing. The U.S. has continued to approve weapons sales to Taiwan, including the made Stinger air-defense system during a visit to inspect military troops in Taoyuan, Taiwan, on May 23, 2024. President Trump has maintained a strategically ambiguous stance over Taiwan, refusing to say directly whether the U.S. would come to its aid if China invades, while continuing to approve such sales. Perdue emphasized that maintaining weapons sales to Taiwan to allow the island to defend itself, as well as “allowing Taiwan’s semiconductor industry to continue contributing to the world,” were “important U.S. interests.” This position underscores the strategic and economic significance of Taiwan in U.S. policy.
The White House has described Xi’s visit as a major state visit, noting that the two presidents discussed a range of bilateral and international issues. However, the lack of direct confirmation from Beijing on Perdue’s account leaves room for interpretation. Any U.S. arms sale to China would mark a major shift in policy, as it is currently prohibited by law. The ongoing arms sales to Taiwan, coupled with restrictions on transfers of military equipment, continue to be a flashpoint in U.S.-China relations. As the situation evolves, the U.S. remains committed to its legal framework while navigating the complex geopolitical landscape.
Shimanta Das 
