The US still hasn’t released a readout from the meeting, which lasted less than two hours, meaning it isn’t clear how US President Donald Trump responded to Chinese leader Xi Jinping’s request.

Chinese leader Xi Jinping urges Trump to formally oppose Taiwan independence, signalling a shift in US-China diplomatic relations and Taiwan policy. Read more at straitstimes.com.

Chinese leader Xi Jinping is expected to bring forth the key issue of Taiwan arms sales with President Trump in a high-stakes meeting on Thursday in Washington. According to the sources privy to

McConnell, GOP Senators Press Trump Team on Taiwan Aid

The U.S. is bound by law to provide democratically-governed Taiwan with the means to defend itself, despite the lack of formal diplomatic relations.

When asked about the arms package, which would include missiles and air-defence systems, Taiwan's Maj Gen Chiao Fu-chun told The Telegraph that Taiwan remained in "close contact with the [US] department of war" and would "keep close tabs" on the sale.

What look like indications of U.S. abandonment of Taiwan are relatively superficial, while substantive investment in capabilities that could deter China continues apace.

It envisions flooding the Taiwan Strait with relatively cheap aerial, sea-surface and underwater drones just as Chinese forces launch an attack. Assuming that China jams communication links with these weapons,

Trump shared a photo with Xi Jinping ahead of their summit, drawing attention to longtime aide Natalie Harp's presence.