Trump weighs Taiwan arms sales as China warns against escalation

US President Donald Trump stated he would decide soon on additional weapons sales to Taiwan, following Chinese President Xi Jinping's warning against such actions. Trump confirmed a "good relationship" with Xi during their February 4 phone call, while Xi emphasized the "Taiwan question" as critical to China-US relations and cautioned Washington about arms sales to the self-ruled island. China's state broadcaster reported Xi's demand for "mutual respect" and warned of consequences for US arms sales. The US approved $11 billion in arms to Taiwan in December, prompting China to conduct live-fire drills simulating a blockade. Taiwan's President Lai Ching-te faces opposition-blocked $40 billion defense spending proposals, with US lawmakers urging resolution. This escalation risks global market instability affecting Nigeria's oil-dependent economy.

SOURCE: https://www.channelstv.com/2026/02/17/trump-to-decide-soon-on-sending-weapons-to-taiwan/