Washington, February 18: Congressman Ro Khanna, a senior Democratic member, has sharply criticized former President Donald Trump’s comments regarding arms sales to Taiwan. Khanna stated that Trump’s remarks contradict U.S. policy.
The Indian-American congressman, who serves as a ranking member of the House Select Committee on Strategic Competition between the United States and the Chinese Communist Party, described Trump’s statements as “dangerous.”
Khanna expressed concern over Trump’s belief that he was discussing future arms sales to Taiwan with Chinese President Xi Jinping. He emphasized that such discussions would violate established U.S. policy and the “Six Assurances” framework.
This criticism follows Trump’s remarks about consulting with Xi on U.S. arms sales to Taiwan, a key issue in U.S.-China strategic tensions.
Khanna urged the White House to reaffirm its commitment to the “Six Assurances,” which have been upheld since the Reagan administration. He stated, “I urge the President to clarify that our policy on Taiwan has not changed.”
The “Six Assurances” consist of six policy principles that guide U.S. relations with Taiwan. One of these assurances explicitly states that the U.S. did not agree to consult Beijing regarding arms sales to Taiwan.
The Taiwan Relations Act of 1979 established the framework for informal U.S. relations with Taipei after Washington recognized Beijing diplomatically. It mandates that the U.S. provide defense arms to Taiwan.
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