China-Taiwan relations

Concerns in Taiwan – opens to talk directly with Trump

Taiwan would welcome a direct conversation between US President Donald Trump and Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te. This is what Taiwan's Deputy Foreign Minister Chen Ming-chi told Reuters.

After his meeting with China's Xi Jinping, Trump has made several statements that have raised concerns in Taiwan. Among other things, he said that he hesitates about a new major arms deal with Taiwan.

Chen says that Taiwan "really hopes" that a conversation between the presidents can be arranged. If so, it would be the first since 1979 when the US chose to establish diplomatic relations with Beijing instead of Taipei.
 

Taiwan thanks Trump despite hints of reduced support

Continued US arms support to Taiwan is the most important tool for continuing to avoid a conflict between Taiwan and China. This is what Taiwan President Lai Ching-te said after Donald Trump hinted that he might consider reducing support.

“We thank President Trump for his continued support for peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait since his first term, including the continued increase in the size and value of arms sales to Taiwan,” he said in a statement.

Trump approved a major arms deal to Taiwan in December but said after last week’s meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping that another major deal “depends on China” and is currently on hold.

“It is honestly a very good bargaining chip for us,” Trump said.

Taiwan has been de facto self-governing since 1949 but has not declared formal independence. However, Beijing considers the island part of China and has promised to take control of it sooner or later by military means if necessary.

Trump Advisor: China Could Take Taiwan Within Five Years

Close advisors to US President Donald Trump believe that China could try to take over Taiwan within five years, Axios reports. One consequence of this could be that the US's access to important AI chips is being cut off.

Trump recently visited China and received a warm welcome from Chinese President Xi Jinping. But behind the scenes, the signals have been harsher. According to one advisor, Xi is trying to move China to a position where he no longer sees the country as a rising power, but that China and the US are now equal.

– This visit signaled a much greater likelihood that Taiwan could be on the table in the next five years, the person says, adding that “there is no chance” that the US can be ready economically in time for it.