THE TAIWAN TEST
Taiwan remains a harder test of how far that stability can stretch.
In remarks published by China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Xi urged Washington to “adhere to the correct position of opposing ‘Taiwan independence’” and handle the issue cautiously, saying this would help lay a “solid foundation” for broader US-China strategic cooperation.
Beijing regards Taiwan as part of its territory and has not ruled out the use of force to achieve reunification.
The language is notable because Xi had directly linked Washington’s handling of Taiwan to the foundation of stable bilateral ties, said Yang from the International Crisis Group.
“The Chinese readout shows China taking the initiative to crystallise its firm position on the Taiwan issue and proactively set out what it hopes the US could follow,” he said.
Beijing also appears to be trying to establish a framework that could shape future US-Taiwan relations, with Taipei likely to watch closely how Washington handles a pending US$14 billion arms package and how Trump describes US policy towards the island, he added.
James Chen, assistant professor of diplomacy and international relations at Tamkang University in Taipei, noted that Trump had so far avoided directly responding to Xi’s demands on Taiwan.
“Trump does not wish to see Taipei become an obstacle to achieving a broader and more comprehensive agreement with Beijing,” Chen said.
At the same time, he said Trump had “not yet shown any intention to trade Taiwan for a major strategic gain”.
King from Park Strategies also said there was “no indication yet that Trump acquiesced” to Xi’s call for Washington to oppose Taiwan independence.
Analysts said the handling of Taiwan would therefore offer an early test of how far the new emphasis on stability can go – and whether it can translate into cooperation on wider geopolitical challenges.
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