Xi Jinping is set to press President Trump to slow or reduce U.S. arms sales to Taiwan when the two leaders meet in Beijing for a two-day summit starting Thursday. Beijing has called Taiwan "the core of China's core interests," and Chinese officials have indicated they expect the Taiwan question to be a major topic of discussion.

The Trump administration approved $11 billion in arms sales to Taiwan late last year, drawing swift condemnation from Beijing, which responded with a two-day military exercise near the island. A second weapons package worth approximately $14 billion remains awaiting final approval from Trump, who has held off on a decision for months.

Xi may attempt to persuade Trump to publicly oppose Taiwanese independence—a step that could signal greater sympathy with Beijing's position and create diplomatic pressure on Taipei. Chinese officials have suggested they could reduce purchases of U.S. agricultural products and Boeing aircraft if arms sales continue. Taiwan's legislature has already approved a $25 billion special budget to cover the two pending weapons packages.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio, accompanying Trump on the trip, told reporters the Chinese understand America's position on Taiwan. A bipartisan group of eight U.S. senators recently urged Trump to move forward with the pending arms sale, adding congressional pressure as the summit approaches.