Taiwanese government keeps an eye on the US-China summit... Feel the cross-Strait relations and economic impact

(Beijing = Yonhap News) Correspondent Jong-gu Han = Ahead of the summit meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping, the Taiwanese government is watching the entire process of the meeting and paying close attention to the impact it will have on cross-Strait (China-Taiwan) relations, diplomacy, and the economy.

According to Taiwan's United Newspaper and Free Times on the 24th, Executive Yuan Spokesperson Li Huizhi said at a press conference that day, "Executive Yuan Chairman Zhuo Rongtai (the equivalent of Prime Minister) is watching very carefully the impact this meeting will have on the international situation, cross-Strait relations, and Taiwan's foreign policy."

He added, “The government will monitor the entire process of the talks and respond with all its might.”

Spokesperson Lee avoided giving a direct answer to the question of whether the U.S. explained relevant details to Taiwan in advance of the summit.

However, he said, “The government continues to monitor high-level talks between the United States and China,” and “views positively any interaction that helps stabilize the regional situation and manage the risks of the expansion of authoritarian forces.”

He emphasized that he is maintaining close contact with the United States through channels at all levels and quickly understanding the situation.

Spokesperson Lee also said, "The United States has repeatedly reaffirmed its firm and clear position of support for Taiwan," and added, "Taiwan is grateful for the support the United States has provided in various fields over a long period of time."

In addition, he emphasized, "If an agreement is reached on economic issues such as tariffs and supply chain reorganization at the U.S.-China summit, we are closely examining the impact it will have on Taiwan's industry. We will continue to maintain close communication with the U.S. while protecting Taiwan's industry and national interests."

It is reported that Taiwan's President Lai Ching-de and the national security team recently held a meeting ahead of the US-China summit to review in advance various situations and response plans that may arise from the summit.

Taiwan and the United States have been sharing the situation related to the summit and coordinating their positions through various channels, and Taiwan's national security authorities analyzed that China will pursue three major goals against the United States at this meeting.

It is predicted that they will seek to weaken U.S. military involvement in the First Island Chain, such as slowing down U.S. arms sales to Taiwan, and lower regulations in high-tech areas such as supply chain safety and export controls to China, while also weakening the U.S. response to China's overproduction problem.

Taiwan is especially watching the possibility that China will focus on slowing down U.S. arms sales to Taiwan.

An official from Taiwan's national security authorities analyzed that a delay in U.S. arms sales could delay Taiwan's military build-up schedule, and that China views this as a means of weakening U.S. military involvement in the First Island Chain.

Taiwan's national security team is also considering the possibility that China may ask the United States to postpone large-scale arms sales to Taiwan until after Christmas, the Yonhap News Agency reported.

Reuters previously reported that President Xi is expected to ask President Trump to suspend arms sales to Taiwan at this summit based on the 1982 “August 17 Joint Statement” between the United States and China.