An awkward moment unfolded in the Oval Office on Monday. Reporters asked Trump about a claim from David Perdue, the U.S. ambassador to China, who said on Fox News that Trump once asked Xi Jinping whether he would like to buy American weapons. Trump seemed puzzled, said he never heard of that, and guessed Perdue might have meant Taiwan. He added that China would probably like American equipment because it is better.
The State Department moved quickly to clear things up, saying U.S. law bars arms sales to China and there is no offer or plan for one. Perdue never said when the exchange supposedly happened or how Xi responded, and Beijing has not confirmed anything. It matters because Taiwan arms sales are a delicate issue, and a large package reportedly remains on hold during talks with Beijing. Expect analysts to keep asking why the messaging did not line up.
