Trump offered to sell arms to China, ambassador says

President Trump on Sept. 28, 2026 offered to sell arms to China, a US ambassador said, a claim the State Department denied.

Reaction pending.

State Department denies offer

A State Department official denied the reports, saying arms sales to China are prohibited under US law and that the account was inaccurate, officials said. The official did not provide supporting documents and declined to elaborate on whether the department had opened a formal review.

A US ambassador made the allegation in remarks officials dated Sept. 28, 2026, saying the president had proposed the sale; that allegation currently rests with that single source, officials said. The State Department denial places the claim in direct tension with established US export controls and longstanding policy restricting arms transfers to the People's Republic of China, officials said.

The immediate political effect is uncertain. Officials said the claim could prompt congressional queries and written requests for briefing materials; oversight committees have broad authority to seek documents and testimony. The disclosure also adds a domestic political element to US–China relations that officials said will be monitored by lawmakers and agencies charged with export controls.

Further official statements or congressional actions may appear within the next 48 hours; watch for updates through Sept. 30, 2026.