China Offers to Pressure Iran in Exchange for US Arms Concessions on Taiwan
China has offered to help pressure Iran over the war in the Middle East in exchange for concessions from the United States on arms sales to Taiwan, according to sources familiar with US-China discussions.
The proposal comes as Chinese President Xi Jinping visits Washington for talks with President Donald Trump, with Taiwan and the Iran war emerging as major issues in the negotiations.
Beijing is seeking an end to US arms sales to Taiwan and has also pressed Washington to halt deliveries of weapons already ordered by Taipei.
In return, China could use its influence over Tehran to help pressure Iran over the ongoing conflict, according to the sources.
The proposal highlights how the Taiwan issue is becoming a major bargaining chip in wider US-China negotiations, linking security in East Asia with the escalating conflict in the Middle East.
However, there is no indication that Washington has accepted the proposal, and US officials and lawmakers continue to support Taiwan’s ability to defend itself.