Trump Asked Xi About Buying U.S. Weapons, Ambassador Says

U.S. Ambassador to China David Perdue said on Sunday that President Donald Trump raised the prospect of selling weapons to Chinese President Xi Jinping during recent meetings in Washington.

Speaking on Fox News Sunday, Perdue said Trump has repeatedly pointed to arms sales the United States makes with other countries. He added that, at one point, Trump asked Xi whether China would like to buy weapons.

Weapon Sales Raised in Washington

Perdue’s comments came as Trump prepared for further meetings with Xi after Xi’s most recent visit to the United States.

The ambassador said Trump’s suggestion was linked to a broader message that the United States sells arms internationally, rather than being tied to a specific new proposal or policy announcement made during the talks.

Ongoing U.S.-China Tensions

Perdue’s remarks drew attention because the United States and China have had heightened friction over the past decade.

The two countries are competing to develop advanced artificial intelligence, and they have opposing positions on Taiwanese sovereignty. Beijing has also built ties with some of Washington’s adversaries, including Iran.

Against that background, comments about potential weapons purchases were made as both sides continue to manage areas of strategic rivalry and disagreement.

David Perdue. Picture courtesy of Straits Times

Additional meetings Before Year End

On Friday, Trump said he will meet Xi an additional two times before the year ends.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump said he plans to travel to Xi’s home country in November for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) meeting. He also said he would meet Xi again a month later, during the Group of 20 summit in Miami.

Trump wrote that Xi and Madam Peng had left Washington for China and described the visit as one focused on “Friendship, Strength, and Success” for both countries. He added that he looked forward to the next meeting.

Second State Visit Concludes

Xi’s second state visit to the United States ended on Friday. His previous state visit had taken place during former President Barack Obama’s administration, 11 years earlier.

Trump’s welcome for Xi during the visit included ceremonial outreach, despite criticism from both Democrats and Republicans that the relationship between Washington and Beijing has remained historically cool.

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28 September 2026