China Delays Pentagon Official’s Beijing Visit Amid Taiwan Arms Deal Tensions

China is reportedly delaying a planned visit by U.S. Pentagon official Elbridge Colby as tensions grow over a proposed $14 billion U.S. weapons package for Taiwan. According to a Financial Times report published Thursday, Beijing is pressuring U.S. President Donald Trump to clarify his position on the arms sale before approving any high-level defense meetings.

Colby, the Pentagon’s under-secretary of defense for policy, had discussed a possible summer trip to Beijing with Chinese officials. However, sources familiar with the talks said China is unwilling to finalize the visit until the Trump administration makes a decision regarding the Taiwan weapons deal.

The report comes after Trump’s recent visit to Beijing, where he acknowledged that no final decision had been made on the arms package. The uncertainty has raised concerns over future U.S. support for Taiwan, a democratically governed island that China claims as its territory.

Trump also revealed on Wednesday that he intends to speak with Taiwan President Lai Ching-te, a move that could further strain U.S.-China relations. Reuters reported that no official call has yet been scheduled, but even the possibility of direct communication between U.S. and Taiwanese leaders is likely to anger Beijing.

China has consistently opposed U.S. arms sales to Taiwan and views such actions as interference in its internal affairs. Despite this, U.S. law requires Washington to help Taiwan maintain its defense capabilities. Lawmakers from both major U.S. political parties have continued urging the administration to proceed with military support for Taiwan.

While Trump has often praised his relationship with Chinese President Xi Jinping, his administration has also approved significant military aid for Taiwan. Taiwan Defense Minister Wellington Koo recently stated he remains “cautiously optimistic” about future U.S. weapons sales to the island.