Taiwan to Be Included in U.S.-China Summit Agenda... 'Iran War' as Variable

At the upcoming summit between U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping scheduled for next week, the Taiwan issue is expected to be one of the main topics of discussion. As the U.S.-Iran war emerges as a key variable in bilateral relations, observers are watching closely to see whether President Trump will be able to secure a trade agreement that could sway public opinion in the United States.

U.S. President Donald Trump is answering reporters' questions before boarding Air Force One at Palm Beach Airport in Florida on the 2nd (local time). Photo by AP News

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U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated at a White House briefing on the 5th (local time), "The Taiwan issue will again be a key agenda item at this summit," adding, "Both countries recognize that instability in the region does not serve their respective interests." He also said, "Any developments that may heighten tensions in Taiwan or the broader Indo-Pacific are undesirable."

China has been increasing its level of military pressure regarding Taiwan. Emphasizing the 'One China' principle, China has consistently refused to recognize Taiwan as an independent state and claims it as part of its own territory. The United States, as Taiwan's most important international backer and arms supplier, has repeatedly drawn sharp opposition from China. The Brookings Institution, a U.S. think tank, noted that "the Taiwan issue is a top priority for Beijing," and pointed out that "China may demand concessions from the United States on its Taiwan policy." At the end of last year, China also expressed dissatisfaction with the U.S.-approved $11 billion arms sale to Taiwan.

President Trump’s approach, which does not follow the traditional U.S. diplomatic and security line, is a source of unease for Taiwan. In fact, President Trump has revealed that he discussed U.S. arms sales to Taiwan directly with President Xi. This move deviates from the traditional U.S. policy toward China, which was upheld by previous administrations including that of Joe Biden. President Trump has stated that he believes China would not attack Taiwan during his term in office.

Another major agenda item is the potential for a trade agreement with China. The Brookings Institution suggested that President Trump is likely to push for large-scale purchases of U.S. products by China, including agricultural products, energy, Boeing aircraft, and semiconductors. With about six months remaining until the midterm elections in November, President Trump's approval rating has fallen to its lowest point across both his first and second terms. In a recent poll jointly conducted by The Washington Post, ABC News, and Ipsos, President Trump recorded a 37% approval rating.

There is also interest in whether President Trump will press China to play a greater role in stabilizing the Iran war. Recently, the U.S. Treasury Department imposed sanctions on Chinese ships and oil companies, calling them "hidden sources of funding for Iran." Artificial intelligence (AI) may also be discussed. Last month, the White House strongly criticized Chinese companies, accusing them of stealing U.S. AI technology.

President Trump will visit Beijing for a two-day schedule from the 14th to the 15th. This marks the first official visit to China by a sitting U.S. president in over eight years, and it is President Trump’s first overseas trip since the start of the Iran war. Recently, local outlets such as Hong Kong's Sing Tao Daily reported that a large U.S. Air Force transport plane was spotted landing at Beijing airport. The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) also reported that government officials from both countries have entered the final stages of preparation, reviewing remarks, protocol, and itineraries. However, the Chinese government has not yet officially announced the detailed visit schedule.

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