Trump denies offering to sell weapons to China despite statements from his ambassador in Beijing

In response to a question about Ambassador David Perdue's statements, Trump told reporters at the White House: "I've never heard of this before... Maybe they want to buy it because we make better equipment than them, so maybe it's a good idea. But we didn't discuss it," according to his description and expression.

The US Ambassador to Beijing, David Perdue, said in an interview broadcast on Fox News on Sunday that Trump had offered his Chinese counterpart to buy American weapons, noting that the issue was raised again during the Chinese President’s visit to the United States last week.

He added: "President Trump continues to say: We sell weapons to other countries around the world. On one occasion he asked President Xi if he wanted to buy some... Discussions continue regarding other sales, and Trump and President Xi talk about this matter every time they meet," stressing that Washington's position has not changed.

The New York Times and the Wall Street Journal quoted White House officials as saying that the United States does not intend to sell weapons to China.

The US State Department confirmed in a statement to the New York Times that “US law prohibits the sale of weapons to China, and there is no offer or plan to sell weapons to it.”

The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs did not directly answer a question on Monday regarding these statements, but stressed that China "has always strengthened its national defense capabilities based on its own needs, and remains committed to maintaining global peace and stability."

It is worth noting that China warned Taiwan against seeking independence by relying on the United States or military force, while Washington in December approved an arms deal for the island worth $11.1 billion, amid fears that its armament file would be used as a negotiating card with Beijing.

During Xi's visit to Washington, Trump called for "prudence and discretion" on Taiwan, and urged the United States to openly oppose the island's independence.

US arms sales to Taiwan are one of the most prominent points of disagreement between Washington and Beijing, while US laws oblige Washington to supply the island with weapons.

Xi and Trump agreed to new meetings during the APEC summits in China in November and the G20 summits in Miami in December.