Reported Taiwan Arms Sale Stalls Colby China Visit
On.cc · 3 SOURCESabout 8 hours ago2 MIN
Summary
A reported effort by US Under Secretary of Defense for Policy Elbridge Colby to visit Beijing has so far failed to gain traction, with Chinese authorities described as unwelcoming amid anger over US arms sales to Taiwan . The proposed trip’s top objective was said to be a speech at China’s National Defense University, but months of requests have reportedly produced no invitation . Colby is said to believe a senior Pentagon visit could help stabilize a turbulent US-China relationship shaped by tariffs, export restrictions, and military frictions around the Taiwan Strait and South China Sea . Reports also point to possible protocol complications and internal US hesitation over whether the visit should proceed .
Key Points
- Politico reported on Thursday, August 6, that Elbridge Colby wanted to visit Beijing and make speaking at China’s National Defense University his primary goal .
- Chinese officials were said to be cool toward the visit because they oppose Washington’s approval last December of a US$11 billion Taiwan arms package .
- Sources said Colby spent recent months pressing for an invitation, including asking Pentagon officials to raise his request during contacts with Chinese counterparts .
- Colby reportedly sees the trip as part of his job of sustained focus on China, including support for continued dialogue with the People’s Liberation Army .
- Separate accounts said Defense Secretary Hegseth has reservations about the visit, while former Pentagon officials cited the lack of a direct Chinese counterpart as a protocol hurdle .
Why It Matters
The episode underscores how Taiwan remains a central flashpoint in US-China ties, with arms sales capable of disrupting even limited military diplomacy . It also shows that both political mistrust and bureaucratic protocol can complicate efforts to restore steadier defense communication between Washington and Beijing .