The Issue: President Trump’s decision to hold up his Taiwan arms sale following a summit with Xi Jinping.

History may have repeated itself in the high-stakes meeting with China’s Xi Jinping (“Arms are a wait & Xi,” May 16).

At the 2025 Alaska summit, Vladimir Putin systematically dismantled President Trump’s Ukraine peace framework. Now, desperate to spin a victory out of the Strait of Hormuz crisis, Trump seems open to pausing US military assistance to Taiwan in exchange for Beijing’s intervention with Iran.

If China intervenes, the White House will likely mischaracterize a reopened shipping lane as Iran “caving” to American pressure. In reality, Beijing will walk away with the ultimate strategic prize: a freeze on US military assistance for Taiwan.

Jim Paladino

Tampa, Fla.

Xi pretty much drew a line in the sand of Taiwan and under no means was Trump to cross it. Of course, Trump dismissed the seriousness of that issue, but in his and our best interests, it would be wise to leave Taiwan alone.

Trump’s hands are full and touching that subject could be disastrous and create confusion, to say the least.

Ron Zajicek

Cortlandt

While Trump threw bouquets at his good friend Xi, the Chinese leader responded by threatening armed conflict if we choose to defend Taiwan. And our president said nothing.

Can you just imagine if Joe Biden did the same? The Republicans would have a field day. At best, he would be called senile and at worst, a traitor.

Bob Ory

Chicago

Trump took a risk in having a China summit in the midst of a festering war on Iran. The obvious risk was getting no support from China as to the Strait of Hormuz. The bigger but less obvious risk was Taiwan.

Xi cornered the president by raising the subject 10 minutes into their meeting, effectively telling Trump to back away from Taiwan. Trump had no response, despite how essential Taiwan is for the computer chips they make. We’ve induced Taiwan to begin making chips in America, but their facility will take time before it is productive.

So much for Taiwan and so much for the summit.

Rich Klitzberg

Boca Raton

Trump seems to have a pattern of getting few beneficial results when negotiating with the world’s most evil tyrants — like leaders of Russia, North Korea, Iran and, most recently, China’s Xi Jinping.

In the business world, Trump never had to negotiate with such evil and irrational people, so his “Art of the Deal” is of little benefit. He needs a totally new approach when dealing with such evil people.

E. Cooper

Glenmont

The Issue: Mayor Mamdani and Gov. Hochul’s new taxes targeting wealthy New Yorkers.

There should be no surprise when a hard-left politician like Mayor Mamdani, with help from the politically desperate Gov. Hochul, show a combined ignorance regarding real world economics (“Future Pain In The Tax,” May 16).

Proven by a dark history, socialists have been, and continue to stubbornly remain, economically illiterate.

Jim Soviero

E. Setauket

Hochul and Mamdani’s tax plans will force businesses to leave New York and cause many to lose their jobs. They are killing the American dream. Work hard, be successful and they will take your money.

Robert Neglia

The Bronx

There are thousands of New York libraries, parks, hospitals, colleges and streets named after people who weren’t socialists but were rich and generous with their wealth.

If the rich flee, who will replace their donations that enrich the quality of New Yorkers’ lives and health?

George Kooluris

Bronxville

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