President Trump’s decision to delay a $14 billion arms package to Taiwan is considered a strategic advantage for Beijing. China might look to prolong the completion of the deal.

During President Trump’s recent interaction with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, he highlighted the U.S. arms sales to Taiwan as a negotiation tool. This move presents an opportunity for Xi to weaken the Taiwanese government.

On Monday, Chinese state media broadcasted Trump’s remarks, signaling to both domestic and Taiwanese audiences that the U.S. commitment to defending Taiwan is uncertain. The Global Times, a Chinese newspaper, cited a Chinese researcher stating that Taiwan and its President Lai Ching-te, often criticized by Beijing, can no longer expect unwavering U.S. support.

“Security cannot be bought with military purchases; if you become a pawn, you will only be squeezed dry,” said Col. Jiang Bin, a spokesman for China’s Ministry of National Defense.

The comments from President Trump were made public after his departure from a Beijing summit with Mr. Xi. Trump mentioned pausing the decision on Taiwan’s weapons package and described it as a “very good negotiating chip” with China.

“I’m holding that in abeyance and it depends on China,” Trump stated in a Fox News interview. However, it remains unclear what concessions he seeks from China in exchange.