Taiwan Says U.S. Ties Are Solid as Trump Prepares to Meet Xi

Taiwan’s top diplomat pushed back on Tuesday against worries that President Donald Trump might leave the island out in the cold during his upcoming talks with Chinese leader Xi Jinping.

The two presidents are set to meet later this week in South Korea, on the sidelines of a big Asia-Pacific economic summit. Trade fights between the U.S. and China have heated up again, and Beijing keeps insisting Taiwan belongs to it.

Trump, back in office since January, has sounded tough on China one day and open to deals the next. He recently said Xi promised not to invade Taiwan while he’s president, but no new U.S. weapons have been approved for the island—leaving people in Taipei nervous.

• Taiwan reassures strong U.S. ties as Trump prepares to meet China’s Xi in South Korea
• Taiwan says partnership with America remains solid despite Trump–Xi summit tensions
• Ahead of Trump–Xi talks, Taiwan insists U.S. relations are stable amid fears of Beijing trade-offs

Speaking at a press conference in Taipei, Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung sought to quell speculation that Trump might trade Taiwan's security for economic concessions from Beijing. "No, because our Taiwan-U.S. relations are very stable," Lin said firmly. "No matter whether on security, trade and business and other areas, there is close cooperation."

Taiwan walks a tight line. China calls it a rebel province, but the U.S. is required by law to help defend the island. Still, some fear Trump could trade Taiwan’s safety for a better trade deal with Beijing.

A government spokesman added that only Taiwan’s 23 million people get to decide their future. “Beijing doesn’t speak for us,” he said.

The U.S. doesn’t officially recognize Taiwan but has stepped up visits and military cooperation. Experts say Taipei can’t take anything for granted. “Stable doesn’t mean safe forever,” said Shen Ming-shih, a Taiwan-China specialist. “We have to be ready for surprises.”

Also Read: China Seeks Stable Ties with Australia Despite Sea Tensions

As leaders gather in Busan, everyone is watching to see if Trump and Xi can ease trade tensions—or if Taiwan ends up paying the price. For now, Taiwan’s message is clear: its partnership with America is holding strong.