Trump's $14 billion 'bargaining chip': Taiwan arms sale looms over Xi summit

File photo: China's President Xi Jinping, right, and US President Donald Trump A proposed $14 billion US arms sale to Taiwan is emerging as one of the most sensitive issues hanging over US President Donald Trump’s meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping this week, with Beijing pressing Washington to keep the deal on hold while Taipei tries to make the case that its security is in US interests.According to a report by the New York Times, Xi is expected to push Trump to continue delaying the package, which includes missiles, anti-drone weapons and air-defence systems. Trump has already held off approving the sale and previously described the deal as a potential “negotiating chip” with China.China claims Taiwan as part of its territory and has consistently opposed US arms sales to the self-governed island. The issue has become particularly sensitive ahead of the Trump-Xi summit in Washington, where the two leaders are expected to discuss trade, technology and other points of friction.Why Taiwan arms are so sensitiveTaiwan relies heavily on US military support as it seeks to strengthen its defences against potential military pressure from Beijing. Xi warned Trump during their previou...