Chinese President Xi Jinping underscored the significance of Taiwan during recent phone call with US President Donald Trump, asserting that the Taiwan issue is "the most important issue in China-US relations." This statement,made on Wednesday night,reiterates China's firm stance on Taiwan as a core interest,which Xi described as a "red line" that must not be crossed in bilateral relations .
During call, Xi emphasized China's commitment to safeguarding its sovereignty and territorial integrity,stating that Taiwan is an inseparable part of China. He urged the United States to exercise caution regarding arms sales to Taiwan, a subject that has drawn considerable attention from both US and Taiwanese media.
Following the conversation,Trump characterized the discussion as "excellent" but provided no further details on the topics covered. The Taiwan Affairs Office spokesperson,Chen Binhua, later elaborated on Xi's remarks, framing them as a clear articulation of China's position on Taiwan and directive for future policy. Chen criticized the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) in Taiwan for seeking independence through external support and called for adherence to the one-China principle from the US .
Media outlets have scrutinized the implications of leaders' dialogue,particularly concerning US arms sales to Taiwan. Analysts suggest that the emphasis on Taiwan may signal China's dissatisfaction with recent US military support for the island. A report from the New York Times indicated that Chinese state media portrayed Taiwan issue as central to the conversation,reinforcing China's message regarding its boundaries in US-China relations.
Professor Zheng Jian from the Taiwan Research Institute of Xiamen University noted that China's firm stance against "Taiwan independence" is unwavering. He asserted that the management of the Taiwan issue is crucial for the stability of China-US relations . Zheng warned that if not handled properly, the Taiwan question could jeopardize the development of bilateral ties.
He further remarked that more favorable US approach to Taiwan could open avenues for cooperation between Beijing and Washington. Conversely,the pro-KMT China Times speculated that the US might adopt a more cautious tone regarding Taiwan,potentially affecting future arms sales .
In Taiwan,reactions varied. Huang Kuo-chang,chair of the Taiwan People's Party, expressed concerns that the US prioritizes its economic interests over Taiwan's security,cautioning against island becoming a bargaining chip in great-power negotiations. Meanwhile, DPP's external affairs department maintained that it is closely monitoring developments and continues to engage positively with US.
As tensions surrounding Taiwan persist, experts like Zheng predict that the space for Taiwanese advocates of independence to rely on the US will diminish. He emphasized that, unlike China,the US does not prioritize Taiwan as a core national interest, viewing it instead as a pawn in broader geopolitical strategies. "For Chinese mainland, reunification is a matter of time," Zheng concluded,highlighting the stark differences in how each side perceives the Taiwan issue.
