A GROUP of United States senators has described President Donald Trump’s recent visit to China as a failure to advance US interests.
The senators also said Trump failed to raise concerns over the independence and security of Taiwan.
“President Trump failed to use his summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping to advance any objectives important to the American people — to counter China’s unfair trade practices and military aggression, preserve American technological and economic leadership, stand up for human rights or strengthen deterrence to prevent a conflict over Taiwan,’’ the senators said in a statement.
“Rather than coordinate a unified approach ahead of time with allies and partners, Trump instead demonstrated once again his willingness to go-it-alone and to sacrifice American national security for minimal and reversible ‘deals.’’
They described Trump’s policies as reckless and placing the US in a position of weakness.
“We are deeply disturbed by Trump’s refusal to defend America’s support for Taiwan during this summit, including by consulting with President Xi regarding U.S. obligations to help provide for Taiwan’s defence.’’
The senators called on the Trump Administration to formally notify the $USD14 billion in arms sales that Congress pre-approved in January.
They also expressed concern that while US forces were engaged in hostilities against Iran, Trump failed to confront Xi on China’s support for the Iranian regime.
