US Official: China Frequently Raises Arms Sales in Bilateral Talks, Consistent with Six Assurances

NEW YORK, June 25 (CNA) — Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs Daniel Kritenbrink testified today before the House Committee on Foreign Affairs that the U.S. policy toward Taiwan remains consistent. Addressing concerns regarding President Trump’s recent remarks and potential conflict with the Six Assurances, Kritenbrink stated that while China frequently brings up Taiwan and arms sales during bilateral discussions, these interactions do not deviate from established U.S. commitments.

The Six Assurances, formulated in 1982 by the Reagan administration, were intended to counterbalance the U.S.-China August 17 Communiqué, specifically addressing concerns regarding the reduction of arms sales to Taiwan.

Representative Johnny Olszewski questioned whether the policy, including the Six Assurances, represents the firm position of the State Department and the Trump administration. Kritenbrink confirmed it does. When pressed on President Trump’s comments regarding discussions with President Xi Jinping on arms sales details, Kritenbrink clarified that these topics are a recurring part of the bilateral agenda but asserted that the U.S. does not consult China on its decisions regarding arms transfers to Taiwan. He reiterated that the final authority on congressional notification and arms sales remains exclusively with the U.S., not China.

Regarding legislative support for accelerating military deliveries, Kritenbrink highlighted two primary areas: strengthening the U.S. domestic defense manufacturing base through increased investment and streamlining government appropriations to meet defensive requirements.