BEIJING — Arriving at a high-stakes summit amidst record-low approval ratings and an unpopular war with Iran, the President expressed eagerness Tuesday to trade long-standing democratic alliances for immediate agricultural and aerospace purchases.

"We authorized an $11 billion arms package for Taiwan in December 2026, but delivery has intentionally not yet moved forward," said an administration spokesperson, confirming that the stalled shipment is currently being utilized as leverage. "As the President suggested in February, we believe it is highly productive to consult directly with a geopolitical rival regarding the weapons we are providing to deter them. We are optimistic this courtesy will result in a substantial Boeing order."

Despite explicitly omitting direct mentions of Taiwan in the 2026 U.S. National Defense Strategy, the administration continues to release statements assuring supporters that the United States remains the island's primary arms supplier. Officials noted that the defense of a democratic ally remains a crucial priority, right behind stabilizing the domestic economy and distracting from a global tariff regime recently struck down by federal courts.

"The administration's stance on Taiwan has absolutely not changed," the spokesperson added, clarifying that the island is still welcome to pay for its own protection once the administration finishes determining whether halting those protections would secure a better headline for American farmers.