Taiwan reacts with relief to US President Donald Trump’s muted approach to the Taiwan question during his summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping. Both outlets describe Taiwan as having entered the talks with heightened concerns that Trump could depart from Washington’s longstanding policy on Taiwan, which Taipei relies on amid persistent pressure from Beijing, which regards Taiwan as part of China. Ahead of the summit, commentary reflected fears that Trump’s style could lead to unpredictable, transactional decision-making that might alter US support.
France 24 reports that while Xi warns that mishandling the Taiwan issue could trigger conflict between the two superpowers, Trump does not publicly press on Taiwan during the visit. The outlet quotes a political science professor at National Taiwan University saying Taiwanese leaders interpret the silence as confirmation that the US is unlikely to change its existing policy.
The Guardian similarly frames Trump’s lack of statements as a “best possible outcome” for Taiwan, as it reduces immediate anxiety that the US might reconsider its position following the China-US engagement.
