A trade deal between the US and China is potentially under threat after President Trump was reported to be "fine" with Taiwan’s request for US-made F-16 fighter planes and M-1 Abrams tanks. China considers Taiwan a breakaway province and, to foster good relations with Beijing, the US has not sold fighter aircraft to it since 1992. However, in 2018 Taiwan was the ninth-largest customer for US military systems. Taiwan’s formal request for the fighter planes needs congressional approval and China is expected to voice opposition before a planned but unscheduled meeting between Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping.
A trade deal between the US and China is potentially under threat after President Trump was reported to be "fine" with Taiwan’s request for US-made F-16 fighter planes and M-1 Abrams tanks. China considers Taiwan a breakaway province and, to foster good relations with Beijing, the US has not sold fighter aircraft to it since 1992. However, in 2018 Taiwan was the third-largest customer for US military systems. Taiwan’s formal request for the fighter planes needs congressional approval and China is expected to voice opposition before a planned but unscheduled meeting between Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping.