WASHINGTON — US Senate Democrats sharply criticized President Donald Trump’s summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping on Thursday, accusing the White House of prioritizing ceremony over concrete progress on artificial intelligence, trade, critical minerals and weapons for Taiwan.
Trump welcomed Xi to the White House for a state summit heavy on diplomatic honors, but there was no sign that closed-door talks yielded breakthroughs on the issues dividing the two powers.
Democrats Demand Taiwan Security Funds
In a statement signed by at least 19 of the 47 members of the Democratic caucus and seen by Reuters, lawmakers called on Trump to immediately deliver more than $15 billion in security assistance approved by Congress for Taiwan — comprising $1.3 billion in funds and a $14 billion arms sale package.
The Democrats also urged the president to press Beijing on human rights and to secure the release of wrongfully detained Americans. Some of Trump’s fellow Republicans likewise marked the summit by calling on him to release the Taiwan funds.
Criticism on Chips, Tariffs and Rare Earths
The Democrats further criticized Trump’s loosening of restrictions on high-end chip sales to China, arguing that the extension of the US-China tariff truce does not sufficiently address supply chain vulnerabilities, including China’s grip on global rare earth refining.
“We will compete successfully with China only through sustained investment in our own strengths, close coordination with allies, and an unwavering defense of our democratic values,” the statement said.
Midterm Implications
Democrats are typically critical of Trump’s policies, but their response to the summit offered an indication of how the party might approach Beijing if it takes control of one or both chambers of Congress in the November 3 midterm elections.
Polls show Republicans will struggle to keep their slim majorities in Congress in the upcoming contest, as the president’s approval rating drops.
