Pentagon official’s Beijing visit in doubt over $17.9 billion US arms package for Taiwan, FT reports
Beijing is reportedly delaying a visit by Pentagon official Elbridge Colby due to a significant US arms package for Taiwan. The proposed $17.9 billion weapons deal has created uncertainty in US-China relations, with President Trump yet to decide on its approval. This situation highlights the delicate balance the US must maintain between supporting Taiwan and managing its relationship with China.
- ▪Beijing is holding up a proposed visit by Pentagon’s under-secretary of defence for policy Elbridge Colby.
- ▪China has signalled it cannot approve the visit until President Trump decides on the $17.9 billion arms package for Taiwan.
- ▪Trump has not yet decided whether to proceed with the major weapons sale, adding to uncertainty about US support for Taiwan.
2 outlets in our directory ran this story, first to last over 1 hour. All of the coverage we found sits in one bucket: centre. That one-sidedness is itself worth noticing.
- ▪ Pentagon official’s Beijing visit in doubt over $14bn US arms package for Taiwan — Financial Times — Home
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Pentagon official’s Beijing visit in doubt over $17.9 billion US arms package for Taiwan, FT reportsSign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inboxBeijing is holding up a proposed visit by Pentagon’s under-secretary of defence for policy Elbridge Colby, the Financial Times reported.PHOTO: REUTERSPublished May 21, 2026, 07:59 AMUpdated May 21, 2026, 08:26 AMListenBeijing is holding up a proposed visit by Pentagon’s under-secretary of defence for policy Elbridge Colby, as China pressures US President Donald Trump over a US$14 billion (S$17.9 billion) weapons package for Taiwan, the Financial Times reported on May 21.Mr Colby discussed a summer visit to Beijing with Chinese officials but China has signalled that it cannot approve a visit until Mr Trump decides how he will proceed…
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