Trump Denying Weapons to Taiwan?

[PeterRS]

Trump held a long phone conversation with China's Xi last Friday. According to the Washington Post there has been agreement on several issues incuding trade, fentanyl and TikTok. Analysts have noted there was no mention of Taiwan, and fears have been expressed that Trump has deliberately held up a previously agreed weapons package including drones and lethal munitions to Taiwan. Some time ago Congress approved up to US$1 billion in military aid annually for Taiwan. Trump though has several times questioned Taiwan's dependence on the USA, this despite the fact that during his first term weapons sales soared beyond US$10 billion for the first time.

If the shipment of weapons is delayed for much longer, surely the American right wing will close ranks with most of the Democrats and call "foul". After all, denying aid to Taiwan is effectively providing support for Beijing and the possiblity, however implausible, of an invasion. Trump is playing politics yet again by attempting to push China on trade. This time I think he will be in for a shock.