US allies in Asia fear weakening support for Taiwan in Trump-Xi talks
Quick Look
US allies in Asia have raised concerns that when Donald Trump meets Xi Jinping in Washington on September 24, Donald Trump could weaken support for Taiwan in exchange for favorable economic deals with China, which Reuters said would risk destabilizing the region.
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Why It Matters
In May, Trump called US arms sales to Taiwan "a very good bargaining chip" in negotiations with China, but after meeting with Xi Jinping did not specify whether the supplies would be allowed.
US allies in Asia have expressed fears that US leader Donald Trump could be "tempted" to weaken support for Taiwan when he meets Xi Jinping in Washington on September 24. In return, he will receive profitable economic agreements with China, this scenario was described by Reuters.
The agency's interlocutors argue that the slightest change in American rhetoric could give China confidence, which would create a risk of destabilization in the region.
Fears among Washington's Asian allies were heightened when Trump in May called US arms sales to Taiwan a "very good bargaining chip" in negotiations with China. The arms package has been hanging in the air, awaiting US presidential approval, but after a spring meeting with the PRC leader, Trump refused to clarify whether the deliveries would ultimately be allowed.
What to Watch
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
Trump won't allow arms sales to Taiwan after meeting with Xi Jinping
Possible · Within days
Open Questions
- Will Trump allow arms sales to Taiwan after meeting with Xi Jinping?
- What kind of economic concessions can the US offer China?
- How will the US's Asian allies react to a possible weakening of support for Taiwan?
