Taiwan casts long shadow over Trump’s summit with Xi

Following a summit between Chinese President Xi Jinping and US President Donald Trump in Beijing, Taiwan has become the initial challenge to a new "strategic stability" approach between the two nations. Analysts note that differing interpretations of Taiwan's status have surfaced. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi stated that China believes the US understands and values China's concerns regarding Taiwan, and does not recognize or accept Taiwan independence. Beijing considers Taiwan the most critical issue in its relationship with Washington.

During a two-day summit in China, US President Donald Trump and Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping discussed various issues, but their accounts of the outcomes differed significantly. The US highlighted potential trade deals, including a reported agreement for China to purchase 200 Boeing jets, and progress on curbing fentanyl precursors. China, however, made no mention of specific trade agreements in its statements. Beijing did emphasize its warning to Washington regarding Taiwan and stated that the US-Israel war on Iran should not have started. While both sides acknowledged discussing the Iran war, their descriptions of the consensus varied, with the US noting agreement on preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons and keeping the Strait of Hormuz open, while China focused on the conflict's unnecessary nature and the need for a political settlement.

President Donald Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping met in Beijing for a summit that yielded little concrete progress on key issues. While Trump claimed significant problems were solved, details remained scarce, leading analysts to view the meeting as largely ceremonial. Discussions touched upon Iran, with both leaders expressing a desire for peace and preventing nuclear weapons, though China offered no specific new commitments. Trump also indicated he was considering lifting sanctions on Chinese companies buying Iranian oil. Regarding Taiwan, Trump stated he was still deciding on a major arms package, a move Beijing opposes. The summit, the first US presidential visit in nearly a decade, concluded with no major breakthroughs, suggesting the core of the US-China relationship remains unchanged.

During a recent trip to Beijing, Donald Trump adopted a softer tone towards China, calling its leader his friend and announcing some trade deals, including a chipmaker's semiconductor sales and an aircraft order. Despite these pleasantries, outstanding issues like Taiwan remain, with Trump making no firm commitment on a delayed $14 billion arms sale, a point China emphasized as crucial. Experts suggest Trump's softened approach may signal a shift in strategy, acknowledging past tactics haven't resolved ongoing trade and intellectual property issues. This top-down shift in rhetoric is expected to influence the wider MAGA base and Republican lawmakers.

During his state visit to Beijing, President Donald Trump stated that the United States will not engage in a war over Taiwan. He revealed that he and Chinese leader Xi Jinping discussed the island extensively. However, Trump did not commit to approving arms sales to Taiwan, leaving the status of major arms packages uncertain. In an interview, Trump expressed his disinterest in a scenario where the U.S. would be obligated to fight a war over Taiwan's independence. This stance suggests a cautious approach to the long-standing issue of U.S. arms sales to Taiwan amidst U.S.-China relations.

Chinese President Xi Jinping and US President Donald Trump met in Beijing, agreeing to prioritize stability in China-US relations for the next three years and beyond. Trump extended an invitation for Xi and his wife to visit the White House on September 24th. Xi described their agreement as a "new vision of building a constructive China-US relationship of strategic stability." However, Xi cautioned that Taiwan remains a significant obstacle to this stability, warning that mishandling the issue could lead to friction or confrontation. He urged the US to approach the Taiwan issue with great caution to maintain stable bilateral relations.

Taiwan viewed the recent summit between Chinese President Xi Jinping and US President Donald Trump with anxiety, fearing a shift in US policy towards the island. However, Trump's uncharacteristic silence on Taiwan following the talks, and the omission of the island in the White House readout, has been interpreted as the best possible outcome for Taipei. This silence came after Xi Jinping issued a stern warning about Taiwan independence being incompatible with peace and a stable US-China relationship. While Taiwan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a firm retort to Xi, analysts suggest Taipei is relieved by the lack of any negative pronouncements from Washington, preferring minimal mention of Taiwan over a departure from established US policy.

President Donald Trump is in Beijing for a high-stakes summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping, aiming to stabilize U.S.-China relations amidst ongoing disputes. The two-day visit, Trump's first to China since 2017, addresses trade, artificial intelligence, Taiwan, and the fallout from the war with Iran. While the U.S. seeks new economic agreements and a rebalanced relationship, China's priorities are described as more long-term and strategic. Discussions are expected to cover trade, aerospace, agriculture, and energy, with the U.S. aiming for beneficial deals while protecting national security. China views the summit as an opportunity to stabilize ties between the two largest economies.

During a summit in Beijing, Chinese President Xi Jinping warned US President Donald Trump that mishandling the issue of Taiwan could lead to conflict between the two nations. Xi emphasized that Taiwan is the most critical issue in China-US relations, and any missteps could push the relationship into a perilous situation. The meeting, the first US presidential visit to China in nearly a decade, also saw Trump express admiration for Xi and invite him to the White House. Despite the warm reception, Xi stressed that the two countries should be partners, not rivals. The summit also touched upon economic matters, with both sides reporting balanced and positive outcomes from preparatory negotiations.

During a two-hour meeting in Beijing, Chinese President Xi Jinping warned US President Donald Trump that Taiwan is the most critical issue in US-China relations and could lead to "clashes and even conflicts." Xi emphasized Beijing's claim over the self-governing island and its desire for reduced US support. The leaders also discussed the wars in the Middle East and Ukraine, and the situation on the Korean peninsula. Separately, voting rights advocate Stacey Abrams described the Supreme Court's gutting of the Voting Rights Act as "evil incarnate," following a ruling that prevents states from considering race in redistricting, which has led to the erasure of majority Black districts.

President Donald Trump is on a state visit to China, accompanied by over a dozen US business leaders, including Elon Musk of Tesla and SpaceX, Tim Cook of Apple, and David Solomon of Goldman Sachs. The purpose of their presence is to discuss trade, technology, and artificial intelligence with Chinese President Xi Jinping. The executives aim to expand their businesses in China and expressed their high valuation of the Chinese market. This visit occurs amidst an ongoing trade war between the US and China, with discussions planned on extending a tariff truce and rare earth metal exports. The CEOs' participation highlights Trump's objective to secure business deals between the two major economies.

Asian stock markets experienced mixed trading on Thursday as investors awaited outcomes from U.S. President Donald Trump's summit with Chinese leader Xi Jinping in Beijing. While Wall Street reached new record highs, Asian indices showed varied performance. Tokyo's Nikkei 225 and South Korea's Kospi saw gains, supported by corporate results and technology stocks respectively, while Hong Kong's Hang Seng also rose. Conversely, Shanghai's Composite index declined, and Australia's S&P/ASX 200 edged down. Discussions between Trump and Xi focused on U.S.-China relations and Taiwan, though analysts anticipated no major breakthroughs. Oil prices were also higher, influenced by ongoing concerns over the Iran war and its impact on global oil inventories.

Taiwan is closely monitoring the upcoming meeting between President Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping in Beijing, fearing that Taiwan's status could be a bargaining chip. Officials and observers in Taiwan are concerned that Trump might make concessions regarding Taiwan's future in exchange for cooperation on trade, fentanyl, or global issues. Taiwan's Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs expressed fear of Taiwan being "on the menu" of discussions. Experts warn that a behind-the-scenes agreement could lead to reduced U.S. arms sales to Taiwan or diminished international participation for the island. President Trump has acknowledged China's opposition to U.S. arms sales to Taiwan, indicating it will be a topic of discussion.

US President Donald Trump is traveling to Beijing for a high-stakes summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping on Thursday and Friday. The meeting, Trump's first visit to China since 2017, will address growing tensions between the world's two largest economies. Key issues on the agenda include trade, Taiwan, artificial intelligence, and the war involving Iran. The summit is significant due to the ongoing geopolitical and economic uncertainty, and the delayed meeting was partly attributed to the Iran war. While trade is expected to be a central focus, the underlying conflict involves strategic rivalry and deep economic interdependence between the two nations.

Ahead of President Donald Trump's state visit to China, Beijing's state-controlled media is portraying the summit with President Xi Jinping as a significant opportunity to foster more stable and mutually respectful bilateral relations. China's Ambassador to the US, Xie Feng, expressed hope that the meetings would help manage differences and promote cooperation on a "steady, sound and sustainable" path. The Communist Party's People's Daily, using the collective pen name Guo Jiping, described Trump's visit as a "milestone new starting point" for ties entering a "new historical juncture." This framing acknowledges ongoing disputes over Taiwan, trade, and strategic rivalry, while suggesting a shift towards more pragmatic and equal engagement with clearer boundaries, referencing past trade disputes.

As President Donald Trump prepares to meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping, experts suggest Trump is "desperate for a win," potentially giving China leverage in negotiations. The summit occurs amidst ongoing trade disruptions between the two nations, initiated by Trump's tariffs on China. These tariffs led to retaliatory measures from Beijing, including halting rare earth metal exports, and significantly impacted US trade with China. US imports from China have fallen, while China has increased trade with other countries, reducing its reliance on the US market. Experts note that US exports to China would be substantially higher without the trade disputes.

During an upcoming summit in Beijing on May 13, 2026, US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping will discuss the war in Iran. US officials have suggested China should help pressure Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, but analysts believe China will seek concessions from the US, likely regarding Taiwan, in return. While the Iran conflict could strain China's economy due to its reliance on Middle Eastern oil, Taiwan is expected to be China's primary agenda item. China has shown a willingness to engage on the Iran issue but has not yet applied significant pressure, potentially waiting for the summit.

President Donald Trump is traveling to Beijing for a state visit with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, aiming to address trade issues and potentially sign deals for American food and aircraft. The meeting occurs amidst global concerns over war and inflation, which are impacting Trump's domestic popularity due to the ongoing conflict with Iran and rising energy prices. Trump intends to prioritize trade discussions, seeking to establish a "Board of Trade" to mitigate past trade war tensions. While the war in Iran and its economic consequences are significant domestic challenges, Trump stated that Iran would not be a primary topic of discussion with Xi. The visit highlights the complex relationship between the two global superpowers as they navigate international challenges.

Ahead of President Trump's visit to Beijing, Al Jazeera analyzed the economic and military standing of the US and China. The report highlights China's significant rise as a global economic power, surpassing the US in exports. In 2024, China was the world's largest exporter with $3.59 trillion in sales, while the US ranked second with $1.9 trillion. This shift contrasts with 25 years ago when the US dominated global trade. The article uses maps and charts to compare the two nations across economics, military, resources, and technology, noting China's emergence as the "factory of the world" and its increasing influence.

President Donald Trump is traveling to Beijing for a high-stakes summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping, aiming to stabilize relations between the two largest economies. The visit, scheduled for Wednesday evening and lasting two days, marks Trump's first trip to China since 2017 and the first state visit between the leaders since Trump's return to the White House. Despite Trump's optimistic outlook and description of Xi as a "friend," significant disagreements persist regarding trade, Taiwan, and global security issues. The summit's purpose is to address these divisions and foster greater stability in the bilateral relationship.

US President Donald Trump is scheduled to meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing for a two-day summit. This meeting, delayed due to the US-Israeli war on Iran, is Trump's first face-to-face discussion with Xi in six months following a trade war truce. The summit occurs amidst strained US-China ties, exacerbated by the war's impact on China's economy and oil imports. Trump is expected to press China to join an operation to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, while Xi will likely seek concessions on trade, rare-earth minerals, and Taiwan. The meeting has also reignited discussions about a "G2," an informal grouping where the two superpowers could jointly address global issues, a concept first proposed in 2005.

US President Donald Trump is scheduled to meet with Chinese leader Xi Jinping in Beijing from May 13-15. Originally focused on the US-China trade war and tariffs, the agenda has shifted due to recent US-led strikes against Iran. China's primary concern is now the potential disruption to oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz, which is vital for its energy supply and could trigger a global recession impacting its export-driven economy. The summit's key question is what role China will play in resolving the conflict with Iran, as the US seeks Beijing's assistance in brokering a deal. China has previously engaged with Iran on ceasefire talks and expressed support for Iran's sovereignty.

The article argues that the United States' opposition to Taiwan independence is strategically beneficial for America, particularly as President Trump prepares to visit China. It posits that a clear US stance against independence now could minimize costs and maximize returns. The author states that Taiwan is a core national interest for China, and Beijing's position on reunification and opposition to secession is unlikely to change. Recent US actions, such as arms sales and congressional signaling, are perceived by Beijing as encouragement to separatist forces on Taiwan, increasing the risk of miscalculation. The article suggests that such moves, while potentially offering short-term political gains in Washington, ultimately jeopardize US interests in avoiding conflict with China, stabilizing markets, and securing cooperation on critical global issues.

Ahead of a summit between President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping, concerns are mounting over the future of U.S. support for Taiwan. Trump has displayed ambivalence towards the island democracy, which China claims as its own. While authorizing a significant arms package for Taiwan, he has also expressed frustration over its semiconductor industry and suggested Taiwan should pay for U.S. protection. Trump has also pressured Taiwan to invest in U.S. manufacturing and purchase American energy resources. This mixed messaging has fueled speculation in Beijing, Taipei, and Washington about the U.S. commitment to Taiwan's defense, with some experts worrying the island could be a bargaining chip in the high-stakes meeting.

Donald Trump is scheduled to visit Beijing from May 13-15, nine years after his initial state visit. The summit aims to stabilize the relationship between the US and China amidst ongoing tensions over tariffs, Taiwan, and technological competition. Expectations are for pragmatic trade deals, potentially including purchases of American goods by China, rather than major breakthroughs. Key discussion points are likely to involve Boeing jets, agricultural products, energy, rare earth supplies, and fentanyl cooperation. The US will also press China on its influence regarding the Iran crisis and address issues like Taiwan, North Korea, and the South China Sea. While short-term gains for US exporters are possible, deeper structural issues are unlikely to be resolved.

President Donald Trump announced he will discuss U.S. arms sales to Taiwan with Chinese President Xi Jinping during his upcoming visit to Beijing. This issue is a long-standing source of tension, as China claims Taiwan as its territory. Trump stated that Xi would prefer the U.S. not sell arms to Taiwan, but he intends to have that discussion. The U.S. is Taiwan's primary military supporter, having approved significant arms packages, which China views as interference. Trump, however, believes a conflict over Taiwan is unlikely in the near future. His visit, his first to China in nine years, will include talks on Thursday and Friday.

Taiwan's legislature approved a NT$780 billion (US$26 billion) special defense budget last week, a move analysts suggest was influenced by US pressure ahead of a summit between Presidents Trump and Xi. The budget, passed by opposition parties Kuomintang (KMT) and Taiwan People's Party (TPP), aims to address concerns over China's military pressure and potential US concessions to Beijing regarding Taiwan. While the approved amount is less than the government's initial proposal, it significantly exceeds the KMT's previous stance and covers US arms sales. However, it excludes many indigenous weapons programs favored by the ruling party. This development occurred amidst mounting anxiety in Taipei regarding the upcoming Trump-Xi meeting.

Taiwanese civilians are increasingly enrolling in self-defense courses due to growing concerns about a potential Chinese military takeover. This surge in interest comes as tensions between Taiwan and mainland China remain high, particularly in anticipation of upcoming summits involving leaders like Trump and Xi. The courses aim to equip ordinary citizens with basic survival and defense skills, reflecting a proactive approach to national security. The trend highlights a palpable sense of apprehension among the Taiwanese population regarding their island's future sovereignty and security. This development underscores the ongoing geopolitical anxieties surrounding Taiwan's status.