President Donald Trump asked Chinese President Xi Jinping whether China would be interested in purchasing American weapons during their recent discussions in Washington, according to U.S. Ambassador to China David Perdue.

Perdue disclosed the exchange while discussing Trump’s meeting with Xi and the broader U.S.-China relationship. He said Trump frequently points out that the United States sells weapons to countries around the world and indicated that the president at one point asked Xi whether China wanted to buy some.

The remark offered another example of Trump using American economic and military strength as leverage in dealings with Beijing. Trump has repeatedly approached China through negotiations involving trade, technology, national security and other areas where the United States has significant economic or strategic advantages.

The administration, however, quickly clarified that Trump’s comment did not represent an actual proposal to arm China. U.S. officials said there are no plans to sell weapons to Beijing, and federal law prohibits such arms sales.

Perdue also highlighted the administration’s record of supporting Taiwan. He said the Trump administration has sold 50% more weapons to Taiwan than any previous president since the United States established formal relations with Beijing in 1979.

The issue comes as Washington continues to balance negotiations with Beijing against growing concerns about China’s military expansion and its pressure on Taiwan. The Trump administration has continued to support U.S. arms sales to Taiwan while using negotiations with Xi to pursue broader American interests.

Trump has also treated a proposed $14 billion arms package for Taiwan as part of the larger negotiating picture with Beijing. His administration has sought to maintain American leverage while pressing China on trade, technology and national security issues.

Perdue’s comments therefore come against the backdrop of a broader Trump strategy toward China that emphasizes American leverage and direct negotiations. While the United States has no plans to sell weapons to China, Trump’s willingness to raise the subject with Xi underscored his unconventional approach to dealing with America’s primary strategic rival.