TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — US President Donald Trump said Monday his administration will decide “pretty soon” on arms sales to Taiwan, Nikkei Asia reported.

Trump, speaking aboard Air Force One, said he is discussing the matter with Chinese leader Xi Jinping. “We had a good conversation. And we will make a determination pretty soon,” he said, responding to Xi’s warning that arms sales must be handled “with prudence.”

The president emphasized his “good relationship” with Xi and reaffirmed plans to travel to China in April. The US approved about NT$345.11 billion (US$11 billion) in weapons for Taiwan in December, which Beijing cited in justifying large-scale military drills around the country.

Taiwan’s political deadlock adds pressure. The opposition KMT and TPP, which control the legislature, have repeatedly blocked President Lai Ching-te’s (賴清德) NT$1.25 trillion special defense budget meant to deter China and align with US security requests.

Reports from the Financial Times suggested the White House may consider an even larger arms package, citing multiple sources familiar with the deliberations.

US lawmakers have voiced concern over the impasse. Last week, dozens signed a letter urging Legislative Speaker Han Kuo-yu (韓國瑜) of the KMT and other leaders to advance the defense spending plan.

Han and his deputy said Monday the budget will be “treated as a top legislative priority” once the legislature reconvenes after the Lunar New Year.