Ed Castro
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated yesterday that Taiwan should not worry about being used as a bargaining chip in ongoing US-China trade talks. During a flight from Israel to Qatar en route to Asia, Rubio reassured that no trade deal would jeopardize Taiwan’s position or result in favorable trade treatment in exchange for concessions related to Taiwan.
“I don’t think you’re going to see some trade deal where, if what people are worried about is, we’re going to get some trade deal or we’re going to get favorable treatment on trade in exchange for walking away from Taiwan, no one is contemplating that,” Rubio told reporters, according to Reuters.
Meanwhile, US and Chinese officials held “very constructive” trade talks in Malaysia ahead of a key meeting between President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping scheduled for Thursday in South Korea. A US Treasury spokesperson emphasized the positive nature of the discussions, which centered on issues like rare earths, fentanyl, and soybeans. It was reported that Beijing initiated discussions that touched upon Taiwan, though sources suggest Trump is unlikely to depart from longstanding US policy on Taiwan’s sovereignty.
Taiwanese analysts highlighted the sensitivity of the Taiwan issue, describing it as the most “critical and core” challenge in US-China relations. Experts from Tamkang University and National Chengchi University underscored the importance of both sides recognizing each other’s “bottom line” to prevent misjudgments or conflicts.
In addition, Taiwan’s Foreign Ministry confirmed that the US has reassured Taiwan that its interests will not be affected by the upcoming high-level talks between Trump and Xi. According to Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung, multiple US officials have reaffirmed Washington’s steadfast support and clarified that its diplomatic exchanges with China will not harm Taiwan.
As the international community watches the evolving US-China dynamics, Taiwan remains a key but delicate issue, with US assurances providing some reassurance amid complex negotiations.
