China’s Xi Jinping raises future of Taiwan in call with Donald Trump
In a significant phone call between Chinese President Xi Jinping and former U.S. President Donald Trump, Xi reaffirmed China’s longstanding claim over Taiwan, emphasizing that the island’s return to Chinese sovereignty is a critical component of the post-World War II international order. This assertion comes at a time of heightened tensions surrounding Taiwan, which operates as a self-governing entity but is viewed by Beijing as a breakaway province. Xi’s comments were framed within the context of the historical collaboration between the U.S. and China during World War II against fascism and militarism, suggesting that the modern geopolitical landscape should respect the territorial claims that arose from that era.
The conversation took place on a backdrop of increasing military maneuvers by China near Taiwan, including frequent incursions into Taiwan’s air defense identification zone (ADIZ) and naval exercises in the Taiwan Strait. These actions have raised alarms in Washington and among Taiwan’s allies, who view them as aggressive posturing. Xi’s insistence on Taiwan’s reunification as a non-negotiable aspect of China’s national policy further complicates the already tense relations between the U.S. and China. The U.S. has maintained a policy of strategic ambiguity regarding Taiwan, supporting its defense capabilities while officially recognizing the “One China” policy, which acknowledges Beijing’s claim but does not explicitly endorse it.
This dialogue highlights the complexities of U.S.-China relations, particularly regarding Taiwan, which has become a flashpoint in the broader geopolitical rivalry between the two nations. As the global landscape evolves, the implications of Xi’s statements could have far-reaching consequences for regional stability and international diplomatic efforts. The call between Xi and Trump underscores the delicate balance that the U.S. must navigate in its approach to Taiwan, balancing support for the island’s democratic government with the need to manage a constructive relationship with China. As tensions continue to rise, the international community watches closely, aware that any miscalculation could lead to significant conflict in the Asia-Pacific region.
China claims Taiwan as part of its territory and Xi told Trump that its return was an ‘integral part of the post-war international order’
Chinese leader Xi Jinping has told Donald Trump that Beijing’s claims to Taiwan remain unchanged, in a phone call that came amid rising tensions over the self-governing island.
Xi told Trump on Monday that Taiwan’s return to China was an “integral part of the postwar international order” forged in the joint US-China fight against “fascism and militarism”, according to the Chinese foreign ministry.
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