00:00U.S. President Donald Trump says he will soon decide whether to approve additional weapons sales to Taiwan.
00:06His remarks follow a warning from Chinese President Xi Jinping against further American arms transfer to the island.
00:16Military support for Taiwan has been a key sticking point between Washington and Beijing, ahead of a planned leaders' summit
00:23in China this April.
00:24During a call with Trump on February 4, Xi urged caution over arms sales to Taiwan and called for mutual
00:31respect in managing bilateral ties.
00:34Though Washington has no formal diplomatic ties with Taipei, it is bound by law to provide it with the means
00:40to defend itself.
00:42In December, Taipei said Washington approved $11 billion in arms sales.
00:47Shortly afterwards, China conducted large-scale military exercises simulating a blockade off the island, further escalating tensions in the region.
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