Historic framing of Taiwan in bilateral talks
In a high‑stakes phone conversation on Monday, Xi Jinping told Donald Trump that the future of Taiwan and its return to Chinese sovereignty is an “integral part of the post‑war international order”, according to a readout from China’s state media. Xi made clear that Beijing views Taiwan as non‑negotiable in its ties with Washington, stating that China and the U.S. once “fought side by side against fascism and militarism” and should now cooperate to safeguard that legacy.
Broader agenda: trade, Ukraine and diplomacy
Beyond Taiwan, the two leaders discussed a range of global issues — including trade, rare earths and the war in Ukraine. According to U.S. statements, the call built on last month’s summit in South Korea, which resulted in a temporary de‑escalation in U.S.–China tariff tensions. Trump described the call as “very good” and said the relationship between the U.S. and China was “extremely strong.”
Taiwan reacts: rejection and caution
In response to the Chinese read‑out of the conversation, Taiwan’s government rejected the claim that it would simply “return” to China. Taiwan Premier Cho Jung‑tai declared that reunification is not an option for the island’s 23 million people and reiterated Taiwan’s sovereign status. The United States, while formally adhering to its “strategic ambiguity” regarding Taiwan’s defence, did not publicly confirm the Chinese version of the conversation about the island.
Regional ripple effects: Japan, alliances and power dynamics
The timing of the call comes amid heightened tensions in the region, particularly between China and Japan. Japan’s Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi recently suggested Tokyo might intervene militarily if China attacked Taiwan — a scenario Beijing views as crossing a “red line”. Beijing appears to view its call with Trump as a way to undercut Japan’s position and strengthen its diplomacy with Washington on its terms.
Why this matters
- Core interest affirmation: China is re‑asserting Taiwan as a non‑negotiable issue and is signalling it expects U.S. recognition of that stance.
- Diplomatic recalibration: By framing Taiwan’s return as part of World War II legacy, China is attempting to shift the narrative — recasting Sino‑U.S. ties as joint victors rather than rivals.
- Alliance implications: The call raises questions about how far the U.S.-Japan security relationship may go in a potential cross‑strait scenario and whether Washington will align closer with Beijing on Taiwan’s status.
- Trade diplomacy entanglement: Taiwan’s future is being woven into larger U.S.–China economic and strategic talks, showing how intertwined geopolitics and economics have become.
Looking ahead: what to watch
- Whether the U.S. issues any formal reassurance to Taiwan or signals shifts in its Taiwan policy.
- Japan’s next moves: whether Tokyo escalates its rhetoric or deters Chinese military pressure on Taiwan.
- How China follows up — whether this is rhetorical or backed by increased military posturing around Taiwan.
- Whether trade and economic cooperation between Washington and Beijing will weaken or strengthen as the Taiwan issue intensifies.
