Xi Pushes Trump for 'Opposes Taiwan Independence' Stance

Chinese President Xi Jinping is trying to secure a fundamental concession from President Donald Trump's administration: an official statement opposing Taiwan's independence. According to the Chinese side's plan, this change in the US position could become a precondition for signing a large-scale trade agreement between the two countries, reports The Wall Street Journal, citing informed sources. Paving the way for high-level interaction with the Trump administration, Xi Jinping is now pursuing his main goal: a change in US policy that, as Beijing hopes, could lead to Taiwan's international isolation.

According to the publication's sources, the Chinese leader is no longer satisfied with the US position adopted under the Biden administration, according to which Washington "does not support" Taiwan's independence. Instead, Xi Jinping plans to pressure his American counterpart to officially declare that the US "opposes" Taiwan's independence. This change in wording, although subtle, is of fundamental importance and could significantly change the balance of power in the region in Beijing's favor.

According to The Wall Street Journal's sources, Xi Jinping believes he can persuade Trump, who, in Beijing's assessment, prioritizes signing an economic agreement and is ready to make concessions on the Taiwan issue. During negotiations with American colleagues, Chinese political advisers have already emphasized the need for an official US statement on their disagreement with Taiwan's independence. According to some experts, this could become one of the most important issues ahead of the meeting between the leaders of the US and China.