Taiwan Has Become the Sacrifice Pawn After Trump's Visit to China

Context

For decades the US has sold weapons to Taiwan, under the Taiwan Relations Act, so the island could defend itself in the case of an attack. Today the US remains Taiwan's most powerful ally and largest arms supplier. In December, the Trump administration approved $11bn (£8bn) in arms sales to Taiwan - one of the largest ever.

Before the visit

The US is a longstanding ally of Taiwan and is bound by law to provide the island with the means to defend itself.

During the visit

Trump said he did not seek conflict with Beijing and also told reporters Xi had felt "very strongly" about Taiwan but Trump had "made no commitment either way".

After the visit

Trump issued a warning to Taiwan, telling Fox News: "I'm not looking to have somebody go independent."

And on his return from China on Friday, Trump referenced a potential $14bn arms sale to Taipei, saying he would decide if that sale would go ahead, adding that he and Xi had discussed it "in great detail".

Beijing is happy to trade economic favors for political achievements. (rip)

My question

Trump has always been unhappy that the US relies on Taiwan for semiconductor, could it be the reason?