Beyond Trade War, China’s Xi Looks to Press Trump on Taiwan

As the world watches the unfolding trade war between the United States and China, President Xi Jinping is likely to press another critical issue during his upcoming meeting with US President Donald Trump: Taiwan. China's leader aims to weaken American support for the island, which Beijing considers an integral part of its territory.However, before Xi can effectively push Trump on Taiwan, he will first seek clarity on the US president's stance toward the island. Trump's recent statements and actions have left China uncertain about the US position on Taiwan, and Xi will likely try to gauge the president's commitment to the "One China" policy. This policy, which was formally adopted by the US in 1972, acknowledges that Taiwan is part of China and opposes Taiwanese independence.During their meeting, Xi will likely emphasize China's sovereignty over Taiwan and express concerns about US military sales to the island, as well as Washington's diplomatic efforts to strengthen ties with Taipei. China has long been wary of any attempts by Taiwan to assert its independence, and Xi may urge Trump to reaffirm the US commitment to the "One China" policy.The Taiwan issue is a sensitive topic for China, and Xi's efforts to press Trump on the matter reflect Beijing's growing assertiveness on the international stage. By pushing Trump to clarify his stance on Taiwan, Xi aims to prevent any potential shift in US policy that could embolden Taiwanese separatists.Furthermore, a clear understanding of Trump's position on Taiwan will also help China assess the risks and opportunities in its relations with the US. As the trade war between the two nations continues to escalate, Xi will likely seek to use the Taiwan issue as leverage to gain concessions from Trump.The meeting between Xi and Trump will be closely watched by analysts and policymakers around the world, as it could have significant implications for regional stability and global trade. As China and the US navigate their complex relationship, the Taiwan issue is likely to remain a point of contention, and Xi's efforts to press Trump on the matter will be a key aspect of their diplomatic engagement.